Special Olympics Nevada is grateful to be supported by thousands of volunteer throughout the year! These dedicated volunteers donate their time, energy and resources to help ensure all programs remain free for our athletes. Learn about volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada straight from our Volunteer Advisory Committee members with informative videos, and get to know each of them below.
Expectations for Volunteers - by Vanessa Knotts
SONV Sports - by Dan Allred
Being a Head Coach - by Dan Allred
Being an Assistant Coach - by Jamie Brown
Other Volunteer Roles - by Phil Brown
What Volunteering with SONV Can Do For You - by Andrew Rasmus
Navigating the Website - by Phil Brown
Learn About Athlete Applications - by Jamie Brown
Law Enforcement Torch Run - by Sue Davis
The Importance of Fundraising - by Sue Davis
"My Why" - by Andrew Rasmus
Dan Allred lives in Washoe County and has been volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada for 12 years. He serves as a Head Coach and Area Director and enjoys being a part of the life-changing work of Special Olympics. When asked his favorite volunteer memory, Dan said: "My favorite memories are those moments and the looks on the athletes' faces during sporting competitions as they demonstrate good sportsmanship, friendship and camaraderie with their fellow athletes. The joy, excitement and looks of accomplishment are priceless."
Jamie Brown lives in Lyon County and has been volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada for 14 years. She serves as a Head Coach, Area Director and Games Management Team Member and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experience with others as a part of the Volunteer Advisory Committee. When asked about her favorite volunteer memory, Jame recalled: "One of our athletes had been participating in the basketball skills program for three years. In all that time she was unable to throw a basketball high enough to hit the rim of the basket. In her fourth basketball season, she made her first basket. She was quite surprised and thrilled over her accomplishment. We saw a new determination on her part to improve; which she did and continues to do so. I was just as thrilled as she was, as if I had been the one to make that basket."
Phil Brown lives in Carson City and has been volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada for 26 years. He serves as a Head Coach, Area Director and Assistant Coach and is eager to share the wonderful impacts of volunteering with Special Olympics with others. His favorite volunteer memory was being a coach at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.
Sue Davis lives in Clark County and has been volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada for 34 years. She serves as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Area Director, Games Management Team member, LETR volunteer and event volunteer. When asked her favorite volunteer memory, Sue said: "After all these years there are so many, but watching an athlete go from hiding behind a parent to running to me for a hug is top of the list."
Vanessa Knotts lives in Elko County and has been volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada for six years. She serves as a Head Coach and Area Director and looks forward to highlighting the athletes and programs offered in Nevada's rural areas. She loves volunteering with Special Olympics and especially enjoys the athlete dances!
Andrew Rasmus lives in Clark County and has been volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada for three years. He serves as an Assistant Coach and Virtual Fitness Instructor and looks forward to bringing new ideas and perspectives to the Volunteer Advisory Committee. Area Director and enjoys being a part of the life-changing work of Special Olympics. He says it's impossible to narrow down one favorite volunteer memory and looks forward to creating new memories in the future!