Where Community Becomes Family: The Power of Volunteering at the Summer Games

Volunteering with Special Olympics Indiana is more than just giving your time. It is an opportunity to be part of a powerful movement that celebrates inclusion, athleticism and community.

Summer Games takes place June 12-14 at Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, bring together more than 3,500 athletes, Unified partners and volunteers for an unforgettable weekend of competition and connection.

For those who volunteer, the benefits extend far beyond the event itself.

“I’ve volunteered at a lot of events through the years, but the Summer Games are different,” said Lynn Buckley-Noble, lead volunteer for the Olympic Town VIP and volunteer tent area. “Everyone – from athletes to coaches to volunteers – feels like family by the end of the weekend.”

Volunteers make a real impact. They are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement, helping athletes with intellectual disabilities showcase their talents and experience the joy of competition. Whether assisting with logistics, supporting activities or staffing one of the games in Olympic Town, they directly contribute to an environment where everyone is valued. This sense of purpose often draws people back year after year.

Volunteering also offers a unique opportunity to build human connections. Summer Games create a space where people from all walks of life come together with a shared mission.

Volunteers frequently form lasting friendships. Not only with fellow volunteers but also with athletes and their families. These relationships can reshape perspectives, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for people across the state. As Special Olympics emphasizes, volunteering helps create “a more welcoming and accepting place for people of all abilities.”

Volunteering at a large-scale event such as the Summer Games allows individuals to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. From coordinating event logistics to assisting in sports competitions, volunteers gain hands-on experience that can translate into professional development.

For students looking to build a career in event management and community engagement, volunteering is a way to build leadership skills and gain real-world experience in those roles.

“Volunteering with Special Olympics is a gratifying experience,” said Linda Behm, who coordinates awards distribution over all seven sports. “When you do it long enough, the athletes remember you, and you start looking forward to those hugs. It’s always a good time.

“You don’t need special skills, just a willingness to help and a positive attitude. The athletes give you way more than you give them.”

Then there is the chance to be part of something inspiring. The energy at Summer Games is contagious. Athletes demonstrate determination, resilience and joy in every competition. Witnessing these moments firsthand can be incredibly motivating and uplifting. Many volunteers describe the experience as life-changing, offering a renewed sense of gratitude and perspective.

The 2026 Summer Games offer a wide range of volunteer roles, from sports-specific positions like timing and scorekeeping to non-sport roles such as medical support, event coordination and Olympic Town games. This lets individuals choose roles that match their interests, skills and availability. Whether you can commit to a single day or the entire weekend, there’s a place for everyone.

Finally, volunteering at the 2026 Summer Games allows you to be part of a larger mission, one that extends beyond a single event. Special Olympics Indiana works year-round to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, promoting confidence, health, and social inclusion. By volunteering, you contribute to this ongoing impact and help build a more inclusive community.

In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, volunteering at the Special Olympics Indiana 2026 Summer Games offers a chance to slow down and focus on what truly matters: connection, compassion and community. It is an experience that benefits the athletes and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling of pride, love and caring for each individual,” longtime track and field volunteer Susie Warnell said. “I cry with them when they receive their awards. I laugh when they laugh. But I also am there to help them encourage one another.  I’m proud of accomplishments athletes achieve, and I will always be there for them.”