Sports Volunteering organizations…
The following lists some key sites to look for volunteering opportunities. It is important when identifying places that the volunteer makes it clear what he or she would like to get out of the opportunity. As has been said before, being able to ask questions and gain information is key in the process.
Minor League Baseball:
- The prime resource tool to find a minor league team in your area is MILB.com. Most teams need volunteers for press room duties and operations.
- Major League Baseball partners with many stellar nonprofit organizations and initiatives throughout the year, some of which are listed here.
NASCAR:
- NASCAR has now set up its own way for fans to find ways to volunteer at events around the country: Nascar Foundation. The local tracks will also post volunteering information, but NASCAR is now working to streamline the opportunities as well.
Special Olympics
- Perhaps the greatest opportunity to both help and gain experience. The Special Olympics, from its worldwide events to all its local chapter events, presents a great amount of opportunity, both in the United States and around the world. The best place to begin is at www.specialolympics.org
Sports Scotland
- This site provides updated information for those wanting to volunteer for sporting events in the British Isles. sportscotland.org.uk/volunteering
Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
- For those who live in New York, the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau has a site dedicated to volunteering at athletic events in the region, such as the Commerce Bank Championship. Senior PGA Champions Tour (800); the Hampton Classic Horse Show (200); and the New York State Games for the Physically Challenged (400) to name a few. The United States Golf Association has secured up to 4,500 volunteers to support the U.S. Open Championship each year it has been held on Long Island. And, 1,200 volunteers were used for the 1999 Empire State Games and 3,000 were utilized to support the 1998 Goodwill Games on Long Island.. http://www.licvb.com/
The St. Louis Sports Commission
- Like many cities, St. Louis has become a hotbed for amateur events looking for assistance. All the updated info. is at stlouissports.org/volunteer/index.php
Other
- The easiest way to identify local sites, especially pro events and local championships needing assistance, is through usta.com (the official site of the United States Tennis Association) and usga.org (the official site for the United States Golf Association). There will be key links to all national championships and local events and information on how to get involved.
- A great site for finding events and attractions needing volunteers in your area is www.volunteermatch.org. Many organizations from around the world will provide the site with their basic information, requirements and how to contact them.
- Many local sporting events that involve charities (Race for the Cure, etc.) will enlist event volunteers from the Women’s Sports Foundation, www.womenssportsfoundation.org. The WSF also provides much information on getting involved in womens athletic events specifically.