Last Updated: April 27, 2021; 11:37 a.m.
The Washington State Department of Public Health (DOH) is the lead agency for the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are working closely with public health departments across the state on coordinating and communicating about the response in affected counties.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in Washington State is an active situation that continues to evolve. We are monitoring the situation and following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as guidance from Special Olympics International.
To protect the health and safety of our community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will remain in this phase of at-home training and competition. Here is an update on the status of our current and future seasons:
- Special Olympics Washington will remain virtual for the 2021 spring season and will not be hosting local, region or state events. No in-person training, practices, or gatherings of any kind are permitted.
- Thanks to your feedback we are approaching our virtual spring season and virtual competitions differently than we have the past three seasons. Rather than offering athletes opportunities to train and compete in a set of sports, we are rallying the greater Special Olympics Washington community around a new event: CommUNITY Challenge!
- NEW: The event is a six-week training and competition program designed to keep everyone walking, rolling, running and moving through May and June. The event will also allow us to raise critical funds to continue programming now and beyond the pandemic. You can learn more and sign up at CommUNITYChallengeWA.com.
- Special Olympics Washington is currently reviewing our “Return to Activities” phase plan to determine how we will allow participants to safely gather in small groups within their own communities. We will continue to work on our updated plan with the hope of providing local in-person participation for summer season. Summer in person participation is not guaranteed.
- Please see our FAQ document for more information.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For a general overview of the coronavirus outbreak and what you can do to protect yourself, please visit the Special Olympics International website.
State of Washington – Spread the Facts
Bookmark this page for the latest information on the State of Washington’s response to the coronavirus outbreak: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/spread-facts
Resources for Special Olympics Washington Coaches and Area Leadership Teams
Please visit the Area Resources page for COVID-specific guidance on assessing athletes readiness for practice, coaches requirements and education, and other resources.
How to Use Zoom
In lieu of in-person events, many of our gatherings are now taking place on Zoom. Need a primer? Watch this video, or check out these step-by-step instructions (PDF) if you can’t access the video.
Special Olympics Washington Family Resources
Find a compilation of local resources for families here.
Special Olympics Strong Minds
Sleep and mental wellness are especially important these days. Check out these infographics for helpful tips: Tips for Healthy Sleep, Tips for Keeping a Strong Mind
Self-Care Tips for Special Olympics Families
As you care for your loved ones, remember to take care of yourself as well. Find useful tips here.
Fitness Training with the Teambuildr App
The Teambuildr fitness training app offers Special Olympics Washington athletes and teams access to workout plans to build strength, endurance, and speed. Special Olympics Washington athletes and teams can download the TeamBuildr app and follow a customized workout plan over the season. Use TeamBuildr at home on your own or with your teammates!
- Watch our Teambuildr tutorial, which includes helpful information on how to set up and use the app.
- For a guide with instructions on how to download the app and sign up, click here.
- Both of these resources – the tutorial and the Teambuildr guide – can also be found on Dropbox.
Fit 5 Home Training Resources
Find training guides, fitness cards and videos on the Fit 5 website: resources.specialolympics.org/health/fitness/fit-5-page
** Please continue to check back for updates as this situation continues to develop and unfold. **