Young Athletes Weekend Programme Volunteer
OVERVIEW Join us and be part of something special!
Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) provides sport opportunities for people with an intellectual and learning disability throughout Aotearoa and utilises sport as a vehicle to promote a more inclusive society where people with an intellectual disability are empowered, visible and valued.
The Young Athletes Programme is a free, inclusive sport and play programme tailored for children, aged app. 2-10 years, with intellectual disabilities. It introduces participants to fundamental movement skills such as running, kicking, and throwing, and helps them develop their interpersonal, social, and emotional skills in a fun, safe environment.
As a volunteer, you will support the Young Athletes Programme facilitator to deliver play and movement sessions in Wellington.
RESPONSIBILITES
• Support SONZ staff to welcome athletes and whānau as they arrive, creating a friendly, inviting atmosphere.
• Facilitate games as directed by the Young Athlete Programme Lead.
• Adapt activities to meet the needs of individual participants.
• Set up and pack away sports equipment before, after, and between activities.
REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION
• Passion for working with people with disabilities
• Patience and understanding when dealing with children of all ages and abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, guided by a supportive, motivating, empathetic, and fun approach.
• Ability to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where athletes and whānau feel empowered, valued, and respected.
• Sport delivery experience is a bonus, but not necessary. All training will be provided.
• All paid and volunteer staff are required to be police vetted. By applying for this position, you agree to undergo police vetting if your application is successful.
AVAILABILITY
Applicants must be able to commit to all 6 weeks of the programme (dates are fixed and listed below). Sessions are located in Lower Hutt. You will be required from 9-11:45am each week.
We encourage applicants to apply if they can attend all 6 weeks of the programme. Sessions will be held on;
• Saturday 8th August
• Saturday 15th August
• Saturday 22nd August
• Saturday 29th August
• Saturday 5th September
• Saturday 12th September
Please note successful applicants will need to provide their own transport to and from the programme. Clean driver licence required. Fuel expenses will not be reimbursed.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email Rachel (Young Athlete Programme Lead) at [email protected] with a short note about yourself, why you’d like to volunteer, and your CV, and she’ll get back to you.
Applications close Tuesday 28th July. Early application is encouraged as the position may be filled before the deadline.