By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Special Olympics Kansas announced Feb. 19 it will be canceling its summer games due to the pandemic, leaving many local athletes disappointed for a second summer.
The games were set for June 4 to 6. The Summer Games, the organization’s largest annual statewide competition, typically brings more than 1,500 athletes, 300 coaches, and 1,400 volunteers from across the state to Maize South High School in Wichita for three days of competition in four sports.
“Naturally, we’re disappointed that the lingering coronavirus outbreak has altered plans for the 2021 Summer Games,” John Lair, Special Olympics Kansas president/CEO, said in a news release. “The decision was made to ensure the safety and health of all attendees. Our athletes, volunteers and sponsors look forward to this annual event, and it was an incredibly tough decision.”
Brent Kaiser, director of activities for the Arc of the Central Plains, said he and the athletes in the local program were also disappointed to hear the news of the cancelation.
The summer 2020 Kansas Special Olympics was also canceled, as a result of the pandemic. For more than a year, most of the Special Olympics events have been canceled, Kaiser said.
"I think at the beginning, it was something that was really heartbreaking for them," Kaiser said. "It's still really heartbreaking for them.
"We are at the point now we are expecting the cancelation, but expecting the games to happen. I think our athletes have grown in understanding and understand the situation and why Special Olympics Kansas is canceling these events right now."
Athletes who have developmental or intellectual disabilities often have other underlying health concerns, which make them more vulnerable to complications if they would contract COVID-19, Kaiser said.
Even to gather 30 to 50 athletes together to travel to events on a bus has become impractical during the pandemic, he said.
The local Arc chapter is continuing to have gym nights and events as organizers think it is safe to do so. The local basketball team has not been able to travel and compete with other teams, but the local athletes will compete in an upcoming basketball skills night.
The local Arc is committed to having a local track and field event some time this year if Special Olympics Kansas does not host regional events, Kaiser said.
"Is it ideal? No. But we are going to continue to push for our local athletes to be able to participate," he said.
Kaiser said the gym times are important for socialization for athletes, and being able to socialize with their friends is why most of the athletes participate in Special Olympics.
In addition to Summer Games being canceled, the following sports announcements have been made for competitions through the end of the summer.
- The powerlifting and soccer seasons are canceled.
- Bocce and corn hole will be offered regionally in April/May.
- Cycling and tennis will be offered regionally in May.
- Smaller, modified track and field competitions will be offered at the regional level in late May or early June
- Bowling will be offered regionally only in late July or early August.
The Special Olympics Kansas Return to Play committee that was formed in the fall will be tasked with deciding on the exact precautions that will be in place for team training and each sport.
Special Olympics Kansas will continue to fundraise and plan for future events.
The Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run has big plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
"What began as a spark of hope in Wichita has become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics worldwide," said Chief Richard LaMunyon, founder of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The latest news on this celebratory year will be up to date on the Special Olympics Kansas website, social media accounts and newsletters.