The Special Olympics was not exempt from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the adversity of navigating a health crisis, the athletes are finding ways to stay positive and overcome their challenges. To detail those challenges, Steve Adubato spoke with Special Olympics New Jersey CEO, Heather Andersen.
During the interview, Andersen mentions the unique challenges Special Olympics athletes face and the importance of connecting with families virtually. Of course, Special Olympics New Jersey offers sports and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The history of these Olympics date back to a Maryland day camp in 1963. Within five years, the official Special Olympics games were created (the first were played in Chicago on July 20, 1968). In 1971, the US Olympic Committee gave them permission to use the term “Olympics.”
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How Special Olympics Athletes Cope with COVID
The Summer and Winter Special Olympics are held every four years. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming Winter Special Olympics are changing things up. “Starting in mid-March, we had to cancel our spring games; and all of our summer games qualifiers and our summer games,” Andersen tells Adubato.
Not to be taken lightly, this decision impacts thousands of athletes and their families. On top of that, Andersen says that due to the current restrictions, the athletes are feeling more social isolation than ever. It’s not just physical activity they are missing out on, but social and communal programs as well. In response, Andersen says that her team is doing all they can for their members; in particular, by providing as much social and physical activity as possible. This includes remote interaction with coaches and players, and much more.
Want to learn how Special Olympics athletes are overcoming the challenges of COVID-19? Check out this edition of One-on-One with Steve Adubato for the full story.
After that, click here for more stories that impact New Jersey.
Top (Hero) Photo: © One-on-One with Steve Adubato / Caucus Educational Corporation