Indiana Special Olympics are going Virtual

Indiana Special Olympics are going Virtual

An even an even that's come to terre haute for 50 years.

Will have to miss this year.

The indiana special olympics has decided to make their events virtual this year due to covid-19.

News 10's dominic miranda joins us now with more on how organizers are looking at the positives.

Pk} do} indiana special olympics president jeff mohler told me.... they knew back in march that there was a real possibility the special olympics games couldn't take place as planned.

Although disappointing to many around terre haute, mohler says they are using this as an opportunity to instill a message of hope in their athletes.

Pk} "i would say that certainly was probably the lowest point of my career here with special olympics was that date when we announced it."

The indiana special olympics are going virtual due to covid-19 concerns.

They've been in terre haute for the last 50 years.

It's something that dave patterson of the vigo county convention and visitors bureau calls disheartening... and it goes far beyond the financial impact on the city.

Phone} "we're all disappointed.

Beyond the money it brings to our community and the 5,000 people, it's also a tremendous event of good will and people coming together to showcase their talents."

The opening ceremonies will commence on june 12th as planned.

However instead of just one weekend... they will have 5 weeks of virtual sports and fitness challenges.

Local community programs across the state can accumulate points and compete against each other.

Indiana special olympics president jeff mohler says being able to adapt was very important to them and the athletes.

"for us to be able to advertise a virtual summer gsmes was actually not a disappointment, it was actually a spark of hope that we could do something even though we aren't going to be together in person that there would be something for our athletes."

Last year was their 50th anniversary.

Mohler says the message was one of celebration.

Now he believes this year will be even more important to athletes.... and it will instill a message of hope.

"that message of hope this year is going to be even more impactful for our athletes.

I would even say that next year in 2021 for our 52nd anniversary, the message will be even more heightened because it will be a message of reunion when we are all back together again in terre haute at summer games."

Do} mohler says they are incredibly appreciative of the support shown by the terre haute community.

He says we should all gear up for a huge crowd coming back next year to continue the special olympics games.

All dates and details about this years information is on our website... wthitv dot com.

In terre haute i'm dominic miranda news 10 i'll have your full forecast...coming up after the break.

But break.

Ng up after the forecast...comiyour full i'll have news 10