The 2021 Special Olympics games scheduled to take place at Morgan’s Wonderland April 29-May 2 have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) announced Tuesday.
Known as the Summer Games because they feature events typically seen in the Summer Olympics such as basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, and volleyball, the 2021 games will get a new date in the near future, event planners said.
“After much consideration and discussion with the SOTX Return-to-Play Committee, it has been determined to postpone the 2021 Summer Games to a later date to ensure the safety and health of all attendees,” SOTX CEO Tim Martin said in a statement. “We will inform everyone of a backup date once confirmed.”
Despite a recent easing up of new infections, the coronavirus pandemic remains at its peak in the San Antonio area, with local hospitals under increasing stress and double-digit fatalities reported every day.
Ron Morander, CEO of the Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation, said although Morgan’s Wonderland staff is disappointed, everyone agrees safety is of utmost importance.
“We look forward to a return of the joy and excitement that the Summer Games generated when they were held at Morgan’s Wonderland for the first time two years ago,” he said.
After being closed for nearly a year due to the pandemic, Morgan’s Wonderland – a unique theme park designed with the special-needs community in mind – is set to reopen March 5 with coronavirus precautions in place, Morander added.
A survey regarding potential new dates for the Summer Games will be distributed to team coaches as soon as possible, Martin said. Summer Games updates will be posted on the SOTX website, he added.
