Special Olympics of Pennsylvania cancels Summer Games

Apr. 17--Special Olympics Pennsylvania has canceled its Summer Games scheduled for June at Penn State University in State College.

In a press release, the group cited safety precautions related to coronavirus as the reason for the cancellation. They said they plan to host Virtual Games during the same time, from June 11-13.

The 10th annual "Be a Fan" Torch Run that precedes the games also is canceled. That three-day, 150-mile run from Pittsburgh to State College involves more than 500 runners from more than 50 law enforcement agencies, alongside Special Olympics athletes.

"While it is heartbreaking to announce this decision, our hope is to capture the spirit of our athletes and volunteers via the Virtual Summer Games," Matthew Aaron, the organization's president and CEO, said in the release.

"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."

Special Olympics provides year-round training and competition in 21 sports to more than 20,000 children and adults with disabilities.

In its 33rd year at Penn State, the state's largest Special Olympic competition typically sees more than 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches converge on the university's main campus for competition in swimming, basketball, golf and softball, among other sports.

More than 1,000 people usually volunteer.

The games also include an opening ceremony at Pegula Ice Arena that features the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, a victory dance and an Olympic Village with activities for all.

Free health services, like physical therapy, eye, ear, dental and podiatry screenings are offered.

"Penn State University and our entire community always look forward to hosting the amazing Special Olympics athletes and their coaches, volunteers and guests each June," PSU president Eric Barron said.

"We will miss them and their families this year. But, we all look forward to the day when we can welcome everyone back to campus again."

Sponsored by Sheetz, the Summer Games are also paid for in part by grants from the state and the Department of Community and Economic Development.

More details will be released on the Virtual Games at specialolympicspa.org.

Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 412-782-2121 x1512, tpanizzi@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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