Based on the latest province-wide restrictions, Special Olympics BC is excited to be updating the following Communicable Disease Prevention Plan safety protocols. While the following items are changing, our commitment to following all of the ongoing SOBC safety protocols must remain the same, in order to continue prioritizing the safety and health of all participants.
Starting February 17, 2022:
- Competitions in all sports, in all forms, can resume!
- SOBC’s capacity restrictions for all programs, competitions, and events are lifted (although we realize some facilities may maintain their own restrictions). Locals hosting events with more than 100 participants will have plans to manage the capacity and ensure all SOBC safety protocols are followed completely.
- Travel for sport is permitted within B.C. Locals considering travel outside B.C. must first apply for permission, per SOBC’s pre-existing policy, in order to maintain insurance coverage.
- Spectators are permitted at programs and events, as long as the facility allows them and as long as all SOBC safety protocols can be followed.
o At indoor programs/events, spectators must be vaccinated. The Safety Volunteer must check spectators’ proof of vaccination if the facility is not doing so, and is asked to remind spectators to practice physical distancing when possible.
o At outdoor programs/events, spectators are not required to be vaccinated. The Safety Volunteer is asked to ensure spectators can watch from an area where they have a good view but are separate from program participants.
All other vaccination, masking, cleaning, and operating safety protocols remain in effect.
All participants must remember that they have to stay home if they are sick.
It is vital for Special Olympics BC programs and events to remain safe and welcoming for all participants. We know that there are varying levels of comfort with the changes in provincial restrictions, and that there are other health factors that may increase risk for people with intellectual disabilities. The ongoing commitment of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families to SOBC’s strong safety standards have taught us all so much, and have shown that Special Olympics sports can continue operating in a safe and fulfilling way. Thank you all for maintaining your high standards for safety, and for making it possible for more and more SOBC athletes to reconnect on the fields of play!
If you have any questions or feedback, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to SOBC staff!