On January 5, 2022, Special Olympics Kansas suspended in-person athlete activities through the end of January in response to the rapidly rising COVID rates across the entire state. This move was done to protect our athletes and volunteers from spreading in group settings while allowing us time to assess the forecasted situation for our upcoming sports seasons.
We continue to be committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our athletes and volunteers. At the same time, we recognize the changing face of the pandemic and the need for athlete activity and social gathering. Therefore, beginning February 1, 2022, the following protocols will go into place:
Teams can return to practice at their discretion following Special Olympics International Return to Activity Protocols for the Significant Risk Category. This includes but is not limited to the following:
Event Size and Venue Type:
Outdoor-only event: Size per local authority regulations.
Indoor or indoor-outdoor event: ≤ 50 participants.
Masks: Required for ALL participants (athletes, volunteers, and spectators) except during rigorous exercise (i.e. when athletes are on the court practicing/competing). Whether on the sideline or not active athletes should be wearing their masks.
Distancing: Distancing is required at all times when possible.
The full SOI RTA Protocols can be found here. Please contact Chris Burt at burtc@ksso.org if you have any questions and/or would like some PPE supplies.
BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING COMPETITIONS
Regional Basketball and Cheerleading tournaments have been canceled with the exception of the Southeast Regional tournament which will be held on March 22 and 23.
Special Olympics Kansas is fully intending to hold state basketball and cheerleading tournaments in 2022.
March 12 – Topeka State Basketball and Cheerleading
March 19 – Hays State Basketball and Cheerleading
Event Notes:
- Socially Distanced Opening Ceremonies
- Teams will play two games with awards immediately following the teams second game
- To keep numbers down in individual skills to assist us in keeping it socially distanced and to be able to fit it in the condensed time frame, athletes competing in the team competition will not be allowed to also compete in individual skills.
- Masks required for all individuals in the building
UNIFIED BOCCE TOURNAMENT
The Unified Bocce Tournament scheduled for March 5th at Lawrence High School will proceed as planned.
REQUIRED FORMS
As a reminder, all athletes must have up to date Medical/Release paperwork on file with Special Olympics Kansas
The following forms related to COVID-19 are required for all athletes, Unified Partners, coaches, and program volunteers and will be strictly enforced for competitions:
- Communicable Diseases Waiver – Required for all Athletes, Coaches, Unified Partners, and Program Volunteers prior to attending an in-person practice or competition
- COVID-19 Participant Code of Conduct and Risk Form (PDF) – Required for all Athletes, Coaches, Unified Partners, and Program Volunteers prior to attending an in-person practice or competition
These forms and all other forms can be found at www.ksso.org/forms.
