2020 Special Olympics Oregon Fall Virtual Games presented by Providence Health & Services
2020 Special Olympics Oregon Fall Virtual Games presented by Providence Health & Services
During a time when Special Olympics Oregon is not able to offer in-person sports training or competition opportunities due to COVID-19 safety concerns (SOOR COVID-19 Related Updates), we want to ensure that athletes, Unified partners, volunteers, supporters and their families still have a variety of opportunities to engage in meaningful healthy, active and social activities.
That is why we are excited to announce the launch of the 2020 Special Olympics Fall Virtual Games presented by Providence Health & Services, as part of our first-ever fully remote sports training and competition season.
The 2020 Fall Virtual Sports Season will ensure our athletes and Unified partners get to experience the transformative power and sheer joy of athletic competition, good health and friendship, while being confident that their health and safety is carefully considered during this global crisis.
Sports offered this season include athletics (track & field), fitness as sport, golf and soccer. Events can be completed safely and easily by participants with a wide range of skill levels and with little or no equipment. Many events can be adapted and done in a variety of settings (backyard, driveway, in your neighborhood, at a local park or school), family members can join in, and modifications are permitted.
Special Olympics is all about meaningful, healthy, active, and social activities – which have always involved an interactive approach. Each participant will be assigned a coach or mentor to help with remote practice plans, training and competition. Coaches can also work directly with care providers in assisting athletes with training and competition.
So that all our athletes, family members, volunteers, and sponsors still feel the social connection that makes Special Olympics so impactful, we’re reaching out and keeping people connected through direct mail, email and social media.
Participants and supporters will be encouraged to use social media to join in on-line training opportunities through our SOOR Active Facebook Group and to share their pictures, videos and stories and to encourage each other throughout the season. Be sure to post! Who knows? You may even end up on one of our highlight reels during Opening or Closing Ceremonies.
2020 Special Olympics Oregon Fall Virtual Games presented by Providence Health & Services Schedule of Events
September 2020 to November 2020 – Select your sports and start training. Special Olympics Oregon will connect you with a coach to support your training. While we encourage everyone to get started right away, participants can sign up ANYTIME during the season to get involved. Reminder – please always check the air quality in your community before engaging in outside activities.
November 2, 2020 – Opening Ceremonies
Tune in to experience the Games ceremonies virtually. This event will kick off the 2020 Fall Virtual Games and will feature many of the same elements that take place during an in-person ceremonies – including guest speakers, highlight videos, volunteer, coach and athlete oaths, torch run and cauldron lighting and more!
November 2-9, 2020 – Competition Week – Turn In Your Scores!
Follow the rules for each event that you choose and do your best! Be sure to turn in your scores before the November 9 deadline.
November 16-20, 2020 – Games Celebration Week
Each day of this week will feature a different sport awards ceremony and a theme for the day. The week will conclude on Friday the 20th with closing ceremonies and a dance.
Thank you to the following 2020 Special Olympics Oregon Fall Virtual Games sponsors for their generous support:
Presenting Sponsor
Providence Health & Services
Gold Sponsor
Portland Timbers & Thorns FC
Bronze Sponsor
May Trucking Company