After reviewing the current guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Governor of the State of Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Health, Special Olympics Ohio has made the difficult decision to continue the suspension of all State and Regional competition events through the end of 2020. Fall sporting events include Softball, Golf, Equestrian, Soccer, and Flag Football. Special Olympics Ohio’s primary concern is the health, safety, and well-being of our athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers.
Beginning on July 6, 2020, Special Olympics sports programming at the local level may resume with the Return to Play restrictions outlined here. We will continually assess and consider what facility, equipment, and event modifications will be made to create a medically safe environment for our athletes to practice, train, and compete.
During the first 3 months of the Return to Play timeline, we will only be endorsing competition on a practice and head-to-head competition level. We will not be hosting any regional or state-level competitions. Any local program that wishes to participate in competition and training should adhere to the guidelines described on our website at sooh.org/return-to-play.
In the upcoming weeks, Special Olympics Ohio will be sending out information for 2021 competition dates and plans for the State Softball Tournament and Fall Games. Everyone is encouraged to stay involved with Special Olympics Ohio during this time. One way that you can do that is through Virtual Fans in the Stands. Please click here to get more information on Virtual Fans in the Stands. Also in the next month we will sending out information regarding the planning process for our State Winter Games. If you are interested in being involved with State Winter Games and would like to receive more information please contact Katie Lee, Director of Sports and Competition at klee@sooh.org.