Remember the mentor, teacher or coach that made that difference in your life? The one who gave you the courage and determination to strive to be your best. The one who helped shape both your performance and your character. You can be that important figure in someone else’s life.

Like Coach Michael Cohen from Special Olympics Florida, USA. Each day on his neighborhood patrol, Sheriff Cohen saw the same group of young men, hanging out on the streets at the edge of town, occasionally playing basketball. With their intellectual disabilities, they didn’t seem to fit in at school and they weren’t part of any community. Though they stuck together, they seemed very isolated.

Sheriff Cohen knew what it meant to have mentors. Throughout his childhood, people helped him do well in school and in life. He thought these young men could use someone similar. He saw how much they enjoyed basketball and how talented they were on the court. Inspired, he formed a Special Olympics team for them and signed on to be their coach.

Under Coach Cohen’s guidance, his basketball team trained hard, grew in skill and confidence, and competed against other Special Olympics teams throughout Florida. Soon, their classmates and neighborhood began to follow their season – and realize their value in the community.

Coach Cohen expected Special Olympics to give purpose to these young men. What he didn’t expect was to be transformed himself – by their courage and commitment, and by the knowledge that he had made a real difference in the lives of people he saw every day. Now he is a key player in his local Special Olympics Program in Florida, where he encourages everyone he knows to get involved.

Coaches are a critical component of Special Olympics’ work. A coach is a key figure in an athlete’s life, providing the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. Coaches serve as role models and character builders, giving Special Olympics athletes awareness of their worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve. Special Olympics coaches also have a direct impact on athletes’ lives by helping them acquire skills that can influence their abilities to obtain employment, succeed in school and achieve personal goals.

Volunteer coaches come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and don’t need prior experience – we provide the necessary training and resources. To be a Special Olympics coach, all you need is a compassionate nature, a desire to help others and a lot of enthusiasm.

Become a coach and you’ll be joining an amazing team of individuals that includes former Olympians, college students, young professionals and a host of family members. Trade coaching tips and exercises, build new friendships and have a real impact on the lives of athletes. Being a Special Olympics coach can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime – for both you and the athletes you mentor. Contact Special Olympics near you to begin your journey today.