Michigan Special Olympics cancel ALL activities due to concerns of COVID-19

Due to concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus, and from the guidance of Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Michigan has made the difficult decision to suspend all sport, training and competition activities involving all athletes through March 31, 2020, at which time the situation will be reevaluated.

This includes the 2020 State Basketball Finals, which was scheduled for March 20-21 at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, as well as all local team practices and events.

While this news is incredibly disappointing for all of us, the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, staff, and partners remains our top priority. It is our hope that Basketball Finals may be able to be rescheduled.

We have been closely monitoring the evolving situation with coronavirus for some time now, and we have been coordinating with Special Olympics, Inc., Special Olympics North America, and various health professionals.

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 reevaluate the situation with Special Olympics North America and local health departments after March 31 and will provide guidance and updated information regarding future events at that time.