Due to concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus, and from the Guidance of Special Olympics International (SOI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Special Olympics Michigan has made the decision to extend its postponement of in-person events through May 15, 2020.
This includes all sport, training and competition activities as well as all in-person fundraising events.
Among the state and regional events impacted by this announcement are:
- State Basketball Finals in Grand Rapids
- Regional Spring Games events
- Regional Gymnastics events
- Champions Together Breakfast in Detroit
At this time, we are evaluating the feasibility of holding the 2020 State Summer Games, currently scheduled for May 28-30 on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. We will have an update on the status of the State Summer Games in the near future.
We serve a population where many are at a heightened risk due to age and/or compromised immune systems. While canceling events is truly disappointing for athletes who have trained for months to compete – as well as for the volunteers, family, friends and our staff and board who support them and look forward to cheering for them – we know that our love of sport doesn’t compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of all involved.
We know this is a difficult message to deliver to our athletes and families, but this decision was made with their health and safety at the center.
Special Olympics Michigan will continue to reevaluate the situation with Special Olympics International and local health departments and will provide guidance and updated information as needed.