Fannin County Special Olympics is currently hosting virtual bingo nights via Facebook in order to support their athletes while they are unable to host in-person events.
“While we cannot play right now, we plan to host some virtual bingo nights on our Facebook page to give athletes something fun to look forward to and participate in,” Area Coordinator Gini Tipton said. “They will be given (at school or center) or mailed a bingo card to play along with our Facebook live. Athletes can win prizes that will be delivered the next days after the game.”
The organization is also providing sports materials, as needed, to schools and the Mineral Springs Center so Special Olympics athletes are able to remain active.
Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) has recently chosen to lift the the suspension of Special Olympics activities in a limited capacity October 2, however no local or area competitions or in-person coaches’ clinics will be allowed for the remainder of 2020.
SOGA will only approve agencies that are attending the 2021 State Indoor Winter Games to begin practicing locally in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Artistic Gymnastics, Floor Hockey and Powerlifting.
Those agencies who choose to begin practices for the state event “are making the voluntary decision and assume all risks associated with COVID-19 concerns and must enforce proper social distancing staying at least 6 feet apart, as well as, wear face masks and gloves at all times,” SOGA officials said.
They also require the proper cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment after each use and during every practice session.
All agencies that are not participating at the 2021 State Indoor Winter Games, including Fannin County Special Olympics, are not approved to begin training/practicing on the local level for any sport until further notice.
Fannin County Special Olympics will continue using virtual events and search for other ways to support their athletes at this time.
Tipton said, “We hope 2021 brings about the ability to return to play!”
While SOGA has also given local agencies permission to continue fundraising, the Fannin agency has not had to fundraise thanks to donations from the community.
“We have ceased fundraising at this time since we are financially stable thanks to our wonderful community,” Tipton said. “We do plan to help NGAF (North Georgia Autism Foundation) with their Children’s Gala in December as their mission supports our athletes!”
Fannin County Special Olympics Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/FanninCountySO.