Lesson #11 - Supporting Special Olympics Athletes during the Virtual Summer Games!

Here are two ways that you can support Special Olympics Athletes as they train and compete in their first ever Virtual Summer Games:

1) Send a High-Five

Stay socially connected and let athletes know that they're doing a great job staying active and that you can't wait to see them back on the playing field!

How sending a High-Five works:

• Send us a picture of your half of the high-five! (Like the right side of the image attached to this email.)
• We'll send you your high-five alongside a picture of a Special Olympics athlete with instructions on how to share the photo on social media.
• Special Olympics Massachusetts will share some of the photos on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Over the next few weeks, we'll share updates from the athlete you are paired with, so you can stay up to date with their preparation towards getting back on the playing field!

There will be an opportunity to donate on behalf of the athlete you're paired with, but it's not required. The goal is for athletes, volunteers, and the Special Olympics community to continue to feel included and socially connected.

To send an athlete a high-five, please submit your photo and information here: https://gameon.specialolympicsma.org/en-us/high-five

2) Virtual Summer Games

Although the 2020 Summer Games in Boston has been canceled due to COVID-19, its spirit lives on through our amazing athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and volunteers. We're excited to announce the Virtual Summer Games to celebrate the at-home accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes!

Virtual Summer Games is open to everyone and is a safe way to compete amongst friends and peers from across the state. Train and compete from home and come together virtually on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th to celebrate everyone who participates in the Virtual Summer Games.

From now through May 26th, athletes will exercise and train in any of 11 sports skills challenges that can be done at home. Sports challenges such as push ups, throwing a ball, running 50 meters, and more will allow athletes to stay active this spring, strive for their personal best, and be a part this year's modified Summer Games.

You are invited to participate in the Virtual Summer Games Challenges as well! You're also invited to watch the broadcast on Special Olympics Massachusetts Facebook and YouTube channels on June 12th and June 13th.

For more Virtual Summer Games information, including training videos, please go here: https://www.specialolympicsma.org/2020-virtual-summer-games/