Special Olympics Texas launches S.O. Connected

Special Olympics Texas launches S.O. Connected

Special Olympics Texas creates virtual program for athletes in response to Coronavirus (Covid-19)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : March 25, 2020

3/25/2020 -- Special Olympics Texas is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new online platform for its athletes – S.O. Connected!  This virtual program has been created in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that resulted in the suspension of Special Olympics Texas competitions and practices through May 31, 2020.  

While prioritizing the health of the Special Olympics community Tim Martin, CEO and president of Special Olympics Texas postponed events, but recognized the importance of continuing to serve the needs of SOTX athletes. “It’s important that Special Olympics provides a place of inclusion, support and community for our athletes during the unprecedented outbreak of the Coronavirus. We needed to create a program that would engage and connect our athletes at a time that mandates social-isolation.”

The new program (S.O. Connected) is run on the app, Flip grid, which provides a virtual home for athletes to engage in community challenges and learning in three different disciplines: S.O. Active (fitness and movement), S.O. Nutrition (healthy eating), S.O. Extra (extracurriculars such as art, gaming, etc.).  This new technology is run by SOTX staff that create daily opportunities for athletes to upload videos, compete in friendly competitions, demonstrate skill, and connect with others across the state, all from the safety of their homes.

Special Olympics Texas is committed to exploring innovated ways to support our athletes in these unique and evolving times.  We believe that programs like this are essential for our athletes to connect with others and to foster inclusion.
 
For more information please contact David Norris, SOTX Director of Communications, at dnorris@sotx.org

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.