By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Special Olympics community was struck with another blow last week when Kansas Special Olympics announced that it would be canceling its summer games, which were set for June 5 to 7.
The organization cited concerns for the the health of its athletes, many of whom have underlying health concerns.
The Special Olympics basketball tournament set for March in Hays also had to be canceled as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
"All of our athletes were ready to go," said Brent Kaiser, ARC of the Central Plains activities director. "That was a great disappointment because our athletes had put in so much work and the coaches had put in so much work to get ready for that.
"They knew they all could turn around and look forward to track and field, which is part of the summer games."
Athletes have been unable to gather for practice since the governor's stay-at-home order was put into place.
While other adults may be able to stay connected through social media and phone calls, Kaiser said Special Olympians might not be as fluent in technology.
"I think it has taken a pretty good toll on them," Kaiser said.
Kaiser has instituted a Facebook bingo night to allow the athletes to socialize.
"I know there are several of them who are not able to do those type of things. A lot of people live in group homes or don't have Facebook," Kaiser said. "It has really in my opinion taken away from their quality of life the last couple of months and maybe over the next couple of months.
"I am really excited and can't wait to get back together with them and allow them to get back together and talk to each other. This is one of the main ways and only ways they all get to get together."
Kacey Dannels, 27, Special Olympian, not only missed playing in the basketball tournament in March but will not be able to participate in her running events in June. She usually runs the 100, 400 and 1,500.
"I was really excited," she said. "I'm going to be missing my friends and the opportunity to see them. It is cool to see them."
She has been trying to keep in shape by walking with her mom. She's been participating in the Facebook bingo nights.
"It's a lot of fun, but it's not the same as being in person. When we are in person, we laugh and get to talk to people."
Ryan Hoag, Special Olympics athlete, also played basketball and would have participated in track and field in the summer Special Olympics.
He is also running and walking, although he said he would prefer to practice with his friends.
He said he knew it was important to be apart from his friends right now to keep everyone safe, but said he hoped other sports seasons wouldn't be canceled.
"When will this be over?" he asked.
Hays also has a 5K running club, which is also not able to meet at this time.
Noalee McDonald-Augustine has been an ARC coach for more than 20 years and also leads the ARC 5K Club.
She is connected to her 5K athletes through MapMyRun and has shared encouraging comments through the app.
"They love traveling and getting out of town, but they also really love getting to see their friends from the other programs from across the state," McDonald-Augustine said. "The biggest thing they will miss out on is that opportunity to socialize and see their friends."
Some athletes understand why they can't see those friends and others can't, she said.
"It's really isolating for a lot of them and increasing anxiety levels for others," McDonald-Augustine said. "It's tough."
She said she is missing the athletes just as they are missing their coaches and each other.
"Special Olympics is a big part of my mental health practice," McDonald-Augustine said. "What better way to feel great or to change your attitude than to come to Special Olympics practice and get hugs and see the excitement in their faces? It is really hard not to see them and not hang out with them."
Other social gatherings for the special needs population have also been canceled, including an Easter egg hunt.
"It is so hard right now," Kaiser said. "For me and all of our coaches, we want to continue to provide anything we can because we love them so much. We just want to see them succeed, to be social, be athletic and involved in activities."
Kaiser said he and others at the ARC have been trying to develop ways to improve participants quality of life in this time of social distancing.
"It has been difficult," he said, "but hopefully we won't have to do it much longer. We just never know."
Kansas Special Olympics has instituted an I-70 challenge. The athletes keep track of their exercise at home. They earn prizes as they progress virtually from Kansas City to Goodland. The challenge can be found virtually at https://ksso.org/i70-challenge/.
The ARC Thrift Store in Hays, which supports ARC activities, has been temporarily closed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. It is also not accepting donations.
Kaiser said although the ARC's source of income has been diminished, its cost are also less with activities being canceled.
Funds are still being accepted for the ARC Park, but in light of social distancing and difficult economic times, the ARC has postponed its major fundraising events, including Dine Out Days, Kaiser said.