Volunteer with APTA at the USA Special Olympic Games

APTA Private Practice is proud to share an exciting opportunity to give back. APTA National and APTA Minnesota have partnered with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games to recruit PTs, PTAs, and students to volunteer in Minneapolis this June — and you don't need a Minnesota license to participate.

More than 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete June 20–26, 2026, and physical therapy practitioners play a vital role in helping them train, perform, and thrive.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Healthy Athletes Program (FUNfitness & Fit Feet) — Open to PTs, PTAs licensed in any state, and PT/PTA students. Provide movement screenings, education, and injury-prevention support.
• Sideline Medical Care & Performance and Recovery Stations — For clinicians licensed in Minnesota. Support athletes before and after competition with hands-on care and recovery strategies.
• Non-Clinical Administrative Roles — Open to all volunteers, no license required.

Shifts are typically 5–8 hours and you may sign up for one or multiple. Can't make it to Minneapolis? Every state has a Special Olympics chapter with ongoing volunteer needs.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Questions? Contact Sarah at sarahamesbury@apta.org

If You Can’t Travel to Minnesota

You can still make a meaningful impact. Every state has a Special Olympics chapter with ongoing volunteer needs. Local partnerships create powerful community engagement opportunities for students and clinicians alike.