Special Olympics Pennsylvania cancels events over coronavirus concerns

Special Olympics Pennsylvania canceled all practices and competitions for the month as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

A Special Olympics of Allegheny County basketball tournament at the University of Pittsburgh scheduled for Sunday is canceled. Almost 300 athletes were expected to attend, according to the organizations.

The cancellation also applies to all practices, affecting almost 400 athletes in Allegheny County.

“This decision was made carefully based on advice received from Special Olympics Inc. after they consulted with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reviewed the latest guidance from the World Health Organization,” Special Olympics Pennsylvania President Matthew B. Aaron said in a statement.

Special Olympics of Westmoreland County didn’t have any competitions scheduled for this month, but its athletes were planning to attend several competitions in other counties, said co-manager Anthony Monstrola.

“We’re kind of just on hold with all this, taking precautions. The number one thing is safety,” he said.

Westmoreland County’s next scheduled competition is a track and field event at Norwin Senior High School May 2. It will go on as planned, barring an extension of the precautionary cancellation policy.

Special Olympics events not involving athletes — such as fundraisers — still can take place, though the state organization urges organizers to “carefully assess the risk in collaboration with their local or state health agencies,” Aaron said. “As this is a rapidly evolving situation, this guidance may be updated at any time,” his statement said.

Organization officials will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation and update plans accordingly, according to Aaron.