Coach and Volunteer Development
The Special Olympics Learning site is an engaging and interactive space that focuses on education, training and professional development opportunities for volunteers, coaches, partners and registered athletes with Special Olympics in Canada.
Impact of Coach and Volunteer Development
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Developing Expertise:Coach training equips volunteers with the knowledge and skills to effectively coach athletes with intellectual disabilities, ensuring they can meet the unique needs of each participant.
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Positive Relationships:Training emphasizes the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with athletes, fostering a positive coaching environment where athletes feel valued and respected.
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Adaptability and Flexibility:Coaches learn to adapt training methods and teaching techniques to accommodate diverse abilities and learning styles, ensuring that all athletes can participate and progress.
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Supporting Lifelong Wellness:Training helps coaches understand and implement Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles, which promote lifelong wellness and encourage athletes to remain active throughout their lives.
NextGen Coaching Apprentice Program
Special Olympics Canada and its Provincial/Territorial Chapters strongly believe in a coach education model that develops and empowers Special Olympics coaches at all levels of competition. Beginning with the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, the newly established NextGen Coaching Apprenticeship Program will allocate Chapters up to two additional coaching quota spots for identified NextGen coaches to develop their coaching skills through Provincial/Territorial and National Games.
Program Objectives
- Build coaching capacity for Special Olympics coaches across all sports
- Provide apprentice coaches with professional development opportunities to prepare them for higher level coaching and increase certification
- Provide apprentice coaches exposure to and experience in a Multisport Games environment
Updated overview of the program, including eligibility criteria, and information on how to apply launching September 2025!
Coaches Course: Nutrition Education for Athletes presented by Empire Company Limited (Sobeys Inc.)
This course is designed to empower coaches with the knowledge and tools they need to educate athletes about the importance of good nutrition. By understanding how to fuel their bodies effectively, athletes can get the most out of participation in Special Olympics programs – from grassroots to Games – setting the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle.
Together, let's equip our athletes with the skills they need to thrive both on and off the field.