Special Olympics Kansas announced virtual summer games will be held this year.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, in-person games were cancelled, but organizers wanted to make sure athletes could still take part in games this year.
“Special Olympics serves athletes will intellectual disabilities and many are in the highest at-risk level for COVID-19,” Heather Waters, SOKS representative said. “We know our athletes want to get together and train and compete, but our number one priority is keeping them safe and healthy. Having in-person games in early June is just not possible this year.”
Athletes taking part in the virtual games can choose one of six categories of competition, including running events and wheelchair competition. Participants can also compete in a 1-mile run and a bonus Unified Soccer Dribble event where athletes will partner, virtually, to complete a soccer dribbling course.
All virtual events can be done at athletes’ homes with common household objects substituted for traditional equipment.
Now through May 29 athletes will train at home and then record their best results. On June 5, Special Olympics Kansas will host an online Opening Ceremony with videos from statewide law enforcement agencies running the ceremonial Torch Run. The opening video will also feature athletes signing the National Anthem and reciting the Special Olympics Athlete Oath.
A talent show, trivia tournament and dance party will also be held virtually from June 5-7.
Competition results will be broken up by age, gender, and ability level. Awards will be announced June 5-7.
More details can be found here. 2020 Virtual Summer Games
