Special Olympics coaches needed in golf, bocce

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The Alexandria Area Special Olympics program needs your help.

“We are anticipating that our golf team will go over 50 Special Olympics athletes this year and bocce will exceed 30,” said Karyn Sportel, Special Olympics coach. “We have a state ratio of 1-to-4 for athletes-to-coaches and will be sorely understaffed.

“That means we may have to limit the number of athletes that participate in our local programs and have never turned anyone away since I have been associated with Alexandria Special Olympics since 1984.”

Coaches are needed for both golf and bocce, with golf coaches needed at levels 1 and 2.

Level 1 is an online power point presentation, quiz, a copy of the coach’s driver’s license for a background check, and a completed volunteer form. This is the requirement for a Level 1 coach in any Special Olympic sport.

For Level 2 golf, the additional requirements include a four-hour golf specific coach’s training and a 10-hour practicum in the local program.

Practice for the golf program begins June 1 and runs every Tuesday through the middle of August at Nordic Trails Golf Club from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Call Sportel for more information on this and any other volunteering opportunity at (320) 852-7664 or (218) 639-5347.

Level 1 and 2 bocce coaches are also needed. The time and location are still to be determined.

Call Betty Johnson at (320) 763-7866 for more information.

Tags: alexandria sports, sports, special, olympics, golf, bocce