Thank you for your continued commitment to ensure the safety for all participants during this pandemic. Special Olympics Missouri is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, coaches, families, officials, staff, and all who contribute to the success of our athletes in training, competition, and events.

Special Olympics Missouri is so excited to have athletes back on the playing field. We recommend masks be worn for all indoor activities or when social distancing is not possible. We will follow the guidelines of the venues that host SOMO events (competition, training, and fundraising) and their local health department guidelines. If the venue or local health department requires masks, we will respect their protocols.

Following Special Olympics Corporate General Liability policy guidelines, prior to returning to any in-person Special Olympics Missouri activity, all participants are to complete an online or hard copy of the Participant Risk Acknowledgement Form, which provides information and guidance on assessing risk and acknowledges that participation could increase risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. 

Any questions regarding practice, competition, or other SOMO activities should be directed to Mary Lou Hammann at hammann@somo.org or 573-469-7834. If anyone learns of a participant testing positive for COVID-19 and has been at any SOMO practice, competition or activity, they must contact Mary Lou ASAP. Your identity will remain confidential but we are required to report to the local health department and follow contact tracing for the safety of others.

In the meantime, Special Olympics encourages all athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for a wealth of resources, including an education toolkit that includes materials for athletes, caregivers, and families to learn more about the vaccine. SOI's Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne recently received her vaccine. Hear what she has to say about her experience.