FARGO, North Dakota – In the interest of the health and safety of the Special Olympics North Dakota (SOND) community and to continuance of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the SOND State Summer Games which were scheduled for June 4-6 in Fargo will not be conducted. President/CEO, Kathleen Meagher says, “We know this is a great disappointment for the entire SOND family, but the safety of our athlete’s families, coaches, volunteers and staff remain our PRIMARY concern. This cancellation of a face to face event only compounds the feelings of disappointment and isolation. Our events are opportunities for entire communities to come together for a wonderful cause, a celebration of life, but unfortunately, joining together at this time can pose a risk to our participants and volunteers.”
SOND State Summer Games historically provided state competitions in five (5) sports to nearly 700 people with and without intellectual disabilities with the support of nearly 500 day of event volunteers.
Three main factors that went into the decision:
1. Despite the phased approach to reopening the state, there is still uncertainty around when we would have the all-clear to resume the training programs for all participants and athletes;
2. The availability of venues and massive screening of volunteers
3. Many of our athletes and coaches participate in multiple seasons.
Despite SOND State Summer Games in Fargo being canceled, SOND will continue offering programs through the spring and summer for people with and without intellectual disabilities. In addition to providing resources for athletes to continue to train at home, SOND is offering at “Virtual” State Summer Games competition in 11 events in Track & Field and Strength/Powerlifitng with the opening and awards ceremony on June 11. This event is also opened to all people with and without intellectual disabilities. The ceremony will air on the SOND Facebook page and be available to view on demand on the SOND website. For more information or to register go to specialolympicsnd.org
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About Special Olympics North Dakota Special Olympics North Dakota is part of a worldwide movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Every year more than 1,600 Special Olympics athletes in North Dakota have an opportunity to take part in any of the 15 sports offered. With the support of more than 340 coaches, 5,200 statewide volunteers and are
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able to deliver nearly 85 statewide competitions and events throughout the year. Learn more about Special Olympics North Dakota at www.SpecialOlympicsND.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
