Volunteer Awards

Annual Volunteer Awards

Every year, Special Olympics Texas holds an awards ceremony to recognize and demonstrate its appreciation to the volunteers, athletes, families and businesses that make the Special Olympics experience possible for our athletes. There are eight separate forms; please use the appropriate form for the category. If you wish to submit a nomination for any of the following awards, please fill out the below Area/Chapter Awards Nomination Forms.

Please send all signed, completed nominations to your area director for approval, postmarked no later than June 15. No late nomination forms will be accepted.

Volunteer of the Year
This award was established in 1980 to be given annually to the volunteer who best displays year-round spirit, dedication, and unselfish efforts on behalf of Special Olympics Texas and its athletes.

Coach of the Year
This award recognizes the coach who best demonstrates a positive influence on his/her athletes,while helping them to succeed in competition as well as in life.

Unified Partner of the Year
The Unified Sports® Partner of the Year Award is dedicated to the individual who embodies the philosophy of Unified Sports®. By dedicating themselves to the integration of athletes in the community, promoting skill development, and fostering self-esteem among athletes on their Unified Sports® team.

Click here to download the nomination form for Volunteer, Coach and Unified Partner submissions.

Athlete of the Year
These awards acknowledge the male and female athletes who embody the spirit of the Special Olympics movement – on and off the field. Starting in 2002, this award was split into two age categories: 15 - 21 and 22 and older.

Click here to download the Athlete of the Year nomination form.

Trainer of the Year
This award was created for the person who is committed to training and making every effort to encourage others to train or coach at the highest level.

Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition
For voluntary service that improves the quality of Special Olympics sports and competitions.

Click here to download the nomination form for Trainer of the Year and Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition.

Outstanding Volunteer for Fund Raising

For voluntary service in implementing fund raising opportunities at the local, area or chapter level.

Outstanding Service from A Business/Corporation
For year-round service (in the form of volunteer support, for example) or financial backing (including in-kind donations) from a business.

Click here to download the Outstanding Service from A Business/Corporation and Outstanding Volunteer for Fund Raising nomination form.

Family of the Year
For the family with a special needs member that has made and continues to make a unique and lasting contribution to the lives of Special Olympics athletes.

Click here to download the Family of the Year nomination form.

Outstanding Service from Print Media
This award represents the print media outlet that supports Special Olympics in a way that helps increase athlete numbers, support fund raising efforts and increase volunteer support while promoting the image of the movement.

Outstanding Service from Electronic Media
The Electronic Media Award was split from the print media in 1990. This award represents the electronic media outlet that supports Special Olympics in a way that helps increase athlete numbers, support fund raising efforts and increase volunteer support while promoting the image of the movement.

Click here to download the Outstanding Service from Print and Electronic Media nomination form.

Outstanding Volunteer for Outreach
For the people, group or organization whose volunteer service has expanded the opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to become involved in the Special Olympics Texas program.

Outstanding Service from a Community Leader
For the professional athlete, celebrity, or civic leader who has demonstrated devotion to individuals with intellectual disabilities and concern for improving their skills through Special Olympics.

Click here to download the Outstanding Volunteer for Outreach and Outstanding Service from a Community Leader nomination form.

Outstanding Service from a Civic or Service Organization
For year-round community service and/or monetary support from an agency, civic group or service organization.

Click here for the Outstanding Service from a Civic or Service Organization nomination form.