Special Olympics NC: Volunteer Event Planner - Cornelius

Do you love planning events? Are you organized, creative, or a logistical wizard? We need you!

Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) and programs throughout the Lake Norman (Cornelius) area are looking for volunteer leaders to help plan and execute athletic competitions, tournaments, and fundraising events.

Working alongside SONC staff and local volunteers, you'll help create organized, memorable events where Special Olympics athletes can compete, achieve their goals, build confidence, and have fun.

Choose How You'd Like to Help

Volunteers can work in one or more areas based on their interests and skills:

• 🏅 Awards – Athlete awards, staging, medals, and recognition
• 🏆 Competition – Competition schedules and event operations
• 📋 Logistics – Equipment, supplies, signage, setup, and event-day coordination
• 🥪 Meals – Meals, snacks, hydration, and food-service logistics
• 📍 Venue – Facility coordination, layouts, accessibility, and site readiness
• 🙋 Volunteers – Volunteer recruitment, assignments, communication, and support

No prior Special Olympics or event-planning experience is necessary. We'll provide the training and help match your skills and availability with the right opportunity.

Flexible Commitment

Most volunteers support approximately 1–2 events per year, with a Spring or Summer event possible and the Fall Tournament in November serving as a primary annual event. Event assignments are based on your availability.

Initial training is online and asynchronous, so you can complete it on your own schedule.

Training and event participation count toward volunteer service hours.

Volunteers who join an official Event Management Team will also complete a Volunteer Screening Form, background check, additional online training, and participate in planning meetings. Meetings may be virtual, with an occasional on-site venue walkthrough.

Who Should Apply?

Event planners, project managers, students, young professionals, retirees, sports enthusiasts, and community volunteers are all welcome.

If you're dependable, willing to learn, and want to use your skills to make a difference, we'd love to have you on our team!

Help us make the next Special Olympics event an unforgettable experience for our athletes!