It is with heavy heart we announce that all Special Olympics programming across the country – weekly programs, competitions and fundraising events – have been suspended, due to recent developments tied to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

As an organization serving more than 47,500 athletes with an intellectual disability, as well as 23,000 volunteers, this measure has been taken to limit any possible risk to members of our community.

Please connect with your appropriate Chapters for more information regarding scheduling.

Special Olympics Canada continues to proactively monitor the situation with COVID-19.

We encourage everyone to follow the guidance of their local and national health authorities (Public Health Departments, Ministries of Health, CDC and WHO). 

These are general precautions that should always be observed in cold and flu season, but we are taking the time to remind ourselves and everyone now, in light of the heightened awareness of this topic.

The most important things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses are to: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your face - your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• When coughing or sneezing:
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand.
  • Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid others who are unwell, and if you are sick yourself, stay away from others. Contact your health-care provider so you can be safely assessed.

For updates and more information on COVID-19, we recommend visiting: The Public Health Agency of Canada

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Larissa Cahute, Communication and Media Manager, Special Olympics Canada, at lcahute@specialolympics.ca or +1 416 927 9050 ext. 4405.