Special Olympics Oregon - Marion County

Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 15 different Olympic-style sports. There are three sports seasons throughout the year, with statewide competitions and training in winter, summer and fall.

Special Olympics Oregon holds events in every region of the state, every month of the year, providing athletes the opportunity to be competing and training all as often as they choose.

Special Olympics athletes train intensely for eight weeks prior to each State Games event. Volunteer coaches are responsible for training the athletes. Volunteers must complete a certification program prior to becoming Special Olympics coaches and must attend training schools before each season.


A Local Program (LP) consists of a local group of individuals with mental disabilities who wish to train and compete in Special Olympics and a Local Program Coordinator (LPC) willing to organize safe, quality training for these athletes. The LPC oversees all aspects of the LP including training, competition, fund raising, public relations, family involvement, financial responsibilities and administration.

Special Olympics Volunteer Oath: I promise to give of the time in my life so that Special Olympics athletes can have the time of their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because, in giving, I receive so much more in return.