October 7, 2021
 
As we are aware, the Province of Ontario introduced the requirement for proof of vaccination status to enter all indoor settings. They further announced that children aged 12-18 yrs of age attending indoor sport training sessions were not required to provide proof of vaccination.

Special Olympics Ontario continues to be extra vigilant in our goal to keep all our members healthy and safe. We continue to promote the fact that sport and training is an important tool to improve the physical and mental health of our athletes, especially now. We also recognize that, regardless of age, in-person sport and fitness training sessions have the potential to increase the opportunity for the spread of the COVID-19 virus but that vaccinations continue to be our best strategy to exit from this pandemic.

To further limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Special Olympics Ontario will mandate that all registered athletes, coaches and volunteers 12 years of age and older be double vaccinated and are required to provide proof of vaccination prior returning to in-person activities. This includes sport training both indoors and outdoors, fundraising events, social events, banquets/dances, and meetings. Those that have been approved for a medical exemption are excluded. School based programs and Partner Programs will continue to follow the COVID-19 protocols outlined by their respective school boards/PSOs.

Medical exemptions will be approved for those that provide documentation from their health care provider.

COVID-19 safety protocols will continue to be in effect at all sport training sessions to further mitigate the spread of the virus.

People with intellectual disabilities are considered a high-risk group for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are a variety of underlining health conditions that put our athletes in a higher risk grouping. These facts, along with the reality that the majority of facilities we (SOO) use will require proof of vaccination, make this decision a practical one.

If you require further information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit https://vaccinesupport.ca.

We will continue to support our members who are not comfortable returning to in-person sessions. We have a number of virtual programs available to our members:

Please visit the Return to Program website to see the FAQ and get further information on how to get your program/event back in action.

Stay informed by going to our website www.specialolympicsontario.com for the latest updates.
Should you have any questions or would like to speak with a staff person about the pandemic please email covid19@specialolympicsontario.com or call
1-888-333-5515 ext. 311 and leave a message and we will follow up. 

Thank you for understanding, 
Glenn MacDonell
President & CEO

cc: Special Olympics Board of Directors
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