Special Olympics volunteers look for more help ahead of busy 2026 season

ST. CLAIR, Minn. (KEYC) - Michael Gottberg, a volunteer with Special Olympics Area 9, says that local teams throughout south central Minnesota are always looking for more volunteers to help run and coach sporting events for intellectually disabled adults.

Ryan Hallonquist, a volunteer coordinator with Special Olympics Minnesota adds that the nonprofit has 645 active volunteers within a 20-mile radius of Mankato.

Of those volunteers, he says more than half have volunteered consistently over the past five years.

Despite these numbers, Gottberg says many teams can be stretched thin trying to provide tournaments, coaching and other events during their free time, which is why new volunteers can be essential.

Gottberg says local teams participate in a variety of sports including swimming, basketball, track and field, bocce ball and golf among other things.

“It’s a way of making a difference, and it doesn’t require major commitment, or major time or major money. It’s just caring,” Gottberg said.

He says that for many participants, Special Olympics provides them with a space to feel heard and a sense of community.

This April, he says the Special Olympics is set to hold a regional basketball tournament at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter and in June the state is set to host the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.

For those who want to give volunteering a try, he says they can visit the Special Olympics website.

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