Organisation

Special Olympics NZ

Summary

If you're a friendly, flexible, patient person with great interpersonal skills then Special Olympics New Zealand needs you! Come help as marshal, measure, judge, and support the athletes in their events on Wednesday 1 April 2026!

Description

Special Olympics New Zealand aims to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. Founded in 1968 the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than 3.7 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs.

Special Olympics New Zealand are holding an Athletics Day on Wednesday 1 April 2026 at The Caledonian for Otago secondary school students who are neuro diverse, or have an Intellectual Disability. You can be an important part of this interactive and fun day out by assisting us with a variety of sporting tasks!

Athletics Event Support will be:

• Assisting with the track and field events

• Assist with Marshalling races

• Judging race finishes and certificate presentation

• Working alongside other volunteers at a specific station while undertaking the above tasks

• Encouraging and motivating athletes to participate and give it their best

• A basic orientation is provided during the morning of the event day

What's in it for Volunteers?

• Volunteers will gain insight into an event that enriches the lives of neuro diverse people, and those with intellectual disabilities

• Enjoy meeting new people and gain satisfaction from enabling athletes to take part in a great day of athletics!

• Potential for further involvement in the Special Olympics movement through the club scene

Requirements

They are looking for:

• Friendly, flexible and adaptable people

• People who are patient and have good interpersonal skills

• People with great time management skills (really important as we run to a tight schedule)

• If you can get things done on the go (including eating lunch) they'd love to hear from you!

• Involves standing for periods of time

• BYO lunch and drink, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, windbreak/parker and wear appropriate shoes

• MoJ/Police vetting background check may be required

Time commitment

Volunteers are required to help between 10:00am - 1:30pm on Wednesday 1st April 2026

Background check

Police check required - Vulnerable Adult

How to apply

Chris Moffitt / lsirsc@specialolympics.org.nz /

Please copy (CC) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless