SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA EVENTS AND IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING TO BE CANCELLED THROUGH JUNE 30

IMPORTANT SOAZ UPDATES IN REGARDS TO THE CORONAVIRUS

Date: May 4, 2020

To: SOAZ athletes, volunteers, families, and friends

From: Jamie Heckerman, CEO

Subject: Cancellation of in-person programming & events through June 30, 2020

Last week, Special Olympics International (SOI) announced that Special Olympics programs should extend the cancelation of all in-person events and activities through June 30, 2020, at which point the situation will be reassessed and further guidance provided. In compliance with this request, as well as to abide by CDC guidance, we are canceling all sports training, practices, competitions and fundraisers through June 30th. This extension includes the cancellation of the Floor Hockey Regional Competition (practices cannot be conducted in May or June) as well as Unified Family Camp.

While canceling events is disappointing, we know that our love of sport does not compare to the importance of protecting the health of our athletes and the entire Special Olympics Arizona community. We are continuing to monitor the situation & consulting with public health officials from our local state department for further direction on future programming. We will provide ongoing updates as more information becomes available.

Please refer to this page of the Centers of Disease Control website for all tips or review the following FAQ document from the Maricopa County Department of Health. Please continue to practice smart and careful prevention strategies. Wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer, avoid high-fives and handshakes, and avoid contact with your face. If you do not feel well, please stay at home to protect yourself & others.

Even though we can’t be together during this time, we hope you’ll stay in touch with us through SOAZconnected – a digital strategy designed to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our athletes, their families, and all members of our community through interactive, virtual engagement opportunities in health & wellness, sports & fitness, arts, and education. Join the SOAZconnected Facebook Group and subscribe to notifications to find out how you can continue participating in SOAZ programming from the comfort of your home. Check it out daily for new tips, tricks, challenges, and social hangouts! Feel free to post or comment with questions, to share advice, cheer each other on, and more! You can also visit the SOAZconnected page on our website to find more information & resources.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.