Grimes, IA – Special Olympics Iowa officials say they have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Mid-Winter Tournament scheduled for March 13 – 14 in Iowa City, due to concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). John Kliegl, Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO, said “The health and safety of the Special Olympics Iowa community, including our athletes, volunteers, and employees, are our top priority.”

Special Olympics Iowa has been closely monitoring the evolving situation with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and they have been coordinating with Special Olympics, Inc. and Special Olympics North America, the Iowa Dept. of Health, and various health professionals.  Special Olympics Iowa was working internally and with these various partners to develop and implement precautionary steps that would have allowed them to proceed safely with the tournament.

With the news of confirmed and suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Iowa, Special Olympics Iowa no longer believes they can prudently proceed with the tournament and be sure they are providing a safe and healthy environment, regardless of what precautionary steps and/or preventative measures might be implemented.  Special Olympics Iowa serves a population where many are at a heightened risk (age, compromised immune systems, and/or medically fragile), and their competitions require people to travel from all parts of the state to convene in venues and engage in sport.

As Special Olympics Iowa prepares for other upcoming events, they are ready to evaluate the risk level of each event on a case-by-case scenario and are developing contingency plans in case they need to cancel or postpone other events. Special Olympics Iowa, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides high-quality training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 99 counties of Iowa. Special Olympics Iowa offers 23 Olympic-style sports to more than 16,000 athletes and Unified partners year-round.

Since 1968, Special Olympics has provided an inclusive culture that stresses athletic excellence, rewards determination, emphasizes health and celebrates personal achievement. Through Special Olympics sports training and competition, children and adults with intellectual disabilities reach their full potential and experience inclusion in their communities every day.

For more information contact Special Olympics Iowa at info@soiowa.org or 515-986-5520.