Needs From: Belmont Office of Community-Engaged Learning and Service

Special Olympics Tennessee offers a vibrant, year-round lineup of competitions across 16 sports, serving more than 18,000 athletes statewide. None of this will be possible without the continued support of our community partners, donors, and fundraising champions.

We will be thrilled to be a featured charity for the 2026 Hot Chocolate Run Nashville, and we will need YOU to help make it an unforgettable day, full of miles, smiles, and a little chocolatey magic! 

TEAM SOTN Volunteers will:

Collect runner's bib tabs to help raise critical funds for our program

Represent Special Olympics Tennessee and share our mission with the community

Celebrate with runners at the post-race party area! 

No experience needed, just bring your energy and enthusiasm! 

What to Know Before You Arrive: 

Arrive 5 minutes early and check in at the SOTN tent in the Post-Race Area  Please bring a photo ID for check-in - you will reserve a volunteer shirt  This event will be outdoors  Parking: You will be emailed a parking pass prior to the event. Please print out parking map/pass for your vehicle to access the assigned parking lot. Recommend wearing athletic attire and comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as you'll be on your feet for most of the event  Bring a filled water bottle and stay hydrated  Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Please contact the event coordinator to register them 

Your energy will help fuel opportunities, confidence, and joy for our incredible Special Olympics Tennessee athletes! 

Special Olympics Tennessee Fitness Program is a wellness initiative focused on fitness, nutrition, and mental health for teens and adults (ages 13+) with intellectual disabilities. Through goal-setting and measurable outcomes, we aim to empower athletes to take control of their health and reduce the disparities often faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities.

One of our key programs, Train 4 Life, is a 12-week fitness, nutrition, and wellness series. Each session lasts 60 minutes and is designed to help athletes build healthy habits in a supportive, inclusive environment. Weekly workout sessions starting January 19th through April 11th. Train 4 Life programs take place statewide. Click Here to Learn More

Train 4 Life Volunteer Info:

Volunteers assist head coaches and athletes during weekly workouts. You can sign up for any individual sessions you’re available to attend.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Set up and break down of fitness stationsSupport the flow of workout stationsAssist coaches with counting and tracking repsCheer on and encourage athletes throughout the session

No experience is needed, just bring your energy and enthusiasm!

What to Know Before You Arrive:

Please arrive 5 minutes early and check in with the lead coachWear athletic attire and closed-toe shoes (you’ll be on your feet)Bring a filled water bottle to stay hydratedVolunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Please contact the event coordinator to get them registered.

We are so excited you will be volunteering with the athletes alongside their fitness and health journey! 

If you’re interested, please sign up and our Volunteer Engagement Team will follow up with more details on how to register for specific events

Join us for one of the coolest events of the year - literally! The 2026 Polar Plunge | Music City is a fun and energetic fundraising event where participants take a chilly dip to support Special Olympics Tennessee athletes. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a success!

Volunteer roles include: 

Event Set-Up from 8a - 10:30a Moving tables & chairs to event tents, Distribute directional signage, Set up tents + Hang sponsor bannersGreeter from 9a - 1pAssist plungers with directions to park in designated areas, Maintain entrance to restricted parking area (handicap, VIP’s, Media & Emergency only) + Greet people at entrance to eventConcessions, Incentives, Registration + Merchandise  from 9a - 2p Greet attendees, Sell concessions food & beverage + Keep concession tent clean and organized Distribute event t-shirt to all registered plungers + Distribute Incentives for Plungers who qualifySell past & current Plunge/SOTN Souvenir Merchandise + Distribute Volunteer t-shirts Check in all plungers (online & walk-in registrations), Receiving, counting and recording of monies being turned in by plungers, Data entry + Cheer on plungers!  Plunge Host from 10a - 2p  Direct plungers through the pre-plunging areas (photo area, secure personal items, plunging instructions, etc.), Help maintain the plunger changing tents + Work in the Celebration Tent helping with food/beverage/trash/etc.Beer Garden from 10:30a - 2p *must be 21 or older Check ID’s, Sell beer tickets + Serve beerTear-Down 1p - 4pPacking of event supplies, Taking down tables & chairs, Tear down tents + Take down sponsor banners

No experience needed, just bring your energy and enthusiasm! 

What to Know Before You Arrive: 

Arrive 5 minutes early and check in at the registration desk Please bring a photo ID for check-in - you will reserve a volunteer shirt This event will be outdoors *Be aware of the weather and dress accordinglyFree parking will be available on site.Recommend wearing athletic attire and comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as you'll be on your feet for most of the event Bring a filled water bottle and stay hydrated Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Please contact the event coordinator to register them 

Ready to help us make a splash?

Click the link to learn more about Special Olympics TN Polar Plunge 

Join us for one of the coolest events of the year - literally! The 2026 Polar Plunge | Wilson County is a fun and energetic fundraising event where participants take a chilly dip to support Special Olympics Tennessee athletes. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a success!

Volunteer responsibilities include: 

Registration / Check-in Hospitality Set up / tear down cheer on plungers!  

No experience needed, just bring your energy and enthusiasm! 

What to Know Before You Arrive: 

Arrive 5 minutes early and check in at the registration desk  Please bring a photo ID for check-in - you will reserve a volunteer shirt  This event will be outdoors *Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly Free parking will be available on site. Recommend wearing athletic attire and comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as you'll be on your feet for most of the event  Bring a filled water bottle and stay hydrated  Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Please contact the event coordinator to register them 

Ready to help us make a splash?

Click the link to learn more about Special Olympics TN Polar Plunge