Special Olympics Summer games cancelled because of air quality concerns
State College, PA (WJAC) — The Pennsylvania Special Olympics summer games, which were set to start Thursday in Centre County, were canceled just as teams from across the state began to arrive.
Organizers of the event said the poor air quality forced them to stop all activities for the weekend.
The health and safety of all event participants is our highest priority, and this decision was not made lightly as we know how much time and effort was invested in preparing for this event.Event organizers add that they "did not believe" that the air quality in the State College area would allow them to "safely" host the summer games.
Organizers were observed taking down tents and other equipment that had been set up just a day before, calling it a “frustrating and unthinkable scenario.”
“Working with our athletes, we have a vulnerable population. Respirator issues is a common theme with some of our athletes, so again it’s heartbreaking for us as staff, as well as the volunteers. A lot of key volunteers here in State College have invested ten months to a year preparing for these games. It’s an incredibly difficult decision.”
Volunteers and games organizers were somewhat stunned by the announcement while disassembling the Special Olympics Arena.
Nearly two thousand athletes from across the state, along with their families, coaches and others, look forward to coming to Penn State every year for the three days of events.
Administrators say they went back and forth before making the decision that no one would want to hear, but now they'll move on to the future.
“We'll go back to work tomorrow creating more opportunities for the athletes in the communities where they work, live and pray. We’ll start the countdown to summer games 2024, and look forward to being back here in State College next year.”
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