Special Olympics North Carolina has made the decision to extend the suspension of all in-person practices, events, and social activities at all levels of the organization through June 30, 2020. The decision was made in accordance with the most recent global guidance from Special Olympics International (SOI), taking into account guidance from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization.
This is not an easy decision especially as government officials begin the process for the slow reopening of our state but we are asking our athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers to please be patient. Our highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, and fans.
According to the CDC, people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. In addition, people with ID experience higher rates of chronic and underlying health conditions that also put them at higher risk of serious illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19.
Special Olympics competitions and events are opportunities for entire communities to come together in support of our mission, but, unfortunately, that joining together poses significant risks for everyone involved. We encourage everyone to continue to use the resources for virtual wellness opportunities on the SONC website.
SONC will continue to closely monitor the situation and update accordingly.
We thank you for your understanding, your resiliency, and for the innovative and inspiring ways you are all keeping yourselves and our SONC family healthy, fit, safe, and connected during these unprecedented and uncertain times.
With safe regards,
Keith L. Fishburne,
President/CEO, Special Olympics North Carolina
