Special Olympics Yukon is looking to recruit sport volunteer’s for the upcoming winter session.

Program director Brettanie Deal-Porter, said they’re looking for people who are committed with lots of energy and a positive attitude.

“It’s a very positive experience,” she said. “Although they’re volunteering, they get a lot in return.”

Programs run from after Thanksgiving to mid-April and Deal-Porter said the commitment is about an hour and a half once a week.

SOY is especially looking for volunteers interested in helping with floor hockey, athletics, cross-country skiing and swimming. Volunteers interested in helping with their other sports (rhythmic gymnastics, curling, skating, soccer and bowling) are also welcome.

Previous experience in the sport isn’t a requirement.

“We offer training for volunteers,” said Deal-Porter. “We’re happy to talk them through it.”

There are head coaches for all the sports and the volunteers are there to help those coaches and to motivate the athletes.

“It’s a really, really great experience,” she said, noting three of Yukon’s athletes will be representing Canada at the Special Olympics World Games in Austria in 2017.

Ernest Chua (cross-country skiing), Tijana McCarthy (figure skating) and Michael Sumner (figure skating) have all been chosen to represent Team Canada.

“It’s a pretty special community to be a part of,” she said.

To sign up, volunteers can visit SOY’s office at 102-211 Hansen St., call or email Deal-

Porter at 668-6510 or bdealporter@specialolympicsyukon.ca. They can also visit specialolympicsyukon.ca and fill out a volunteer form.