The 2020 Summer Games of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, originally scheduled for June in State College, have been canceled because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, Penn State University and Special Olympics said.
The Games were scheduled for June 11-13. The 10th annual “Be a Fan” Torch Run that precedes the competitions has also been canceled.
Special Olympics of Pennsylvania said it’s working with its statewide athlete leaders, PSU, the Summer Games volunteer committee and key sponsors to create a “virtual Summer Games” that will take place in June. Organizers said more details would be released when plans are firmed up.
“While it is heartbreaking to announce this decision to cancel the Torch Run and Summer Games,” said Matthew Aaron, president and CEO of Special Olympics PA, “our hope is to capture the spirit of our athletes and volunteers via the Virtual Summer Games.
:The athletes of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and our coaches, families, Law Enforcement Torch Run partners, sponsors, and volunteers are an amazing and resilient group. We will come through this crisis stronger and more unified than ever!” he added.
This year would have marked the 33rd year that Penn State has hosted the Summer Games.
Thank you, @PghPoliceChief for this photo! We are so grateful to our dedicated Guardians of the Flame who are remaining steadfast in their commitment to our athletes, under these extraordinary circumstances. @LETRforSO @PghPolice pic.twitter.com/hjL8upSKbP
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) April 16, 2020
First Published: April 17, 2020, 12:15 p.m.