Special Olympics and Special Olympics Wisconsin encourage you to get vaccinated if you have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19. If you still get infected after you get vaccinated, the vaccine works to prevent serious illness. By getting vaccinated, you also help protect people around you.
Vaccinations are especially important to protect people with intellectual disabilities (ID). People with ID are almost six times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population.
Understandably, there are many questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Special Olympics has created an Educational Toolkit that includes materials for athletes, caregivers and families to learn more about the vaccine. We also invite you to attend a free informational webinar on April 14 at 7 pm to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, why it is important and where to receive it.
In Wisconsin, we have also had a number of questions lately regarding COVID-19 vaccination guidelines and if we will require athletes and Unified partners (participants) to be vaccinated before returning to activities. As an accredited program of Special Olympics, we are required to follow the policies and procedures of our parent organization.
At this time, Special Olympics is stipulating programs do not require vaccination for participants to return to in-person activities. This also applies to Local Programs (Agencies). We understand that some Local Programs, athletes and volunteers will decide to “remain on the sidelines” at this time. Please know that we respect your decision. This is a time when everyone needs to decide what is best for them and their loved ones.
Please contact us at covid@specialolympicswisconsin.org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you all on the playing field, on the court and in the pool soon!
