Special Olympics Delaware has canceled the 2020 Summer Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Cancelling our fundraising and sports events and the many planning and training gatherings that often happen leading up to them is truly disappointing for everyone. The reality for us is – nothing is more important than your health and safety.”, said Executive Director Ann Grunert in a news release.
“We have made the difficult decision to cancel Summer Games. This decision was made keeping in mind the health and safety of every person involved at the Games along with the fact that given the restrictions set forth by Special Olympics Inc. and the State of Delaware, it would be impossible for our athletes and teams to properly train leading up to the games.”, Grunert said.
Unfortunately all of the festivities around and including the Torch Run are also canceled.
In spite of the summer games being cancelled, don’t worry because Special Olympics says it is now focusing on the coming weeks and months as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. Many activities are planned to recognize this special occasion and some are already underway.
• Athlete health and training initiatives like School of Strength and Fit 5 have already started – but it’s not too late to join at www.sode.org — and, coming soon, we are offering a virtual walk/run/bike/roll challenge open to our entire SODE community of athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and friends.
• 50th Anniversary Celebration – While our plan was to kick off the celebration at the 2020 Summer Games, our hope is to begin the celebration of our 50th anniversary as soon as we are able to come back together as an organization. This will include, among other things, the unveiling of the official 50th anniversary medals and ribbons, designed specifically for Delaware, which will be awarded to all athletes at state competitions during the 2020-21 program year.
“Throughout this process, while working to ensure the safety of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, supporters and our entire SODE family, we have realized how much we appreciate each of you and your dedication to our mission – to bring individuals with intellectual disabilities out from behind closed doors and into a community of acceptance and respect. Thank you for being such a valuable partner in this effort.”
