Special Olympics Manitoba

Guidelines & Information

MEMORANDUM

To: SOM Stakeholders

From: Darren Hemeryck, Director, Sport

Date: February 18, 2022

Re: Government of Manitoba Loosening of Restrictions

In response to the Government of Manitoba’s provincial announcement on February 11 regarding the accelerated plan to reduce public health restrictions, Special Olympics Manitoba (SOM) would like to provide an update on our programming guidelines:

SOM will remove current COVID vaccination requirements for Spring/Summer programs that will be starting after April 1, 2022.  In-person programs that are currently running will continue to have vaccination restrictions in place until the end of their program session.  If program capacity allows, athletes wanting to join a program currently running will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Provincial office.  Additionally, for those athletes not currently participating in in-person programming, registration information for Spring/Summer sports will be coming in the near future. 

SOM will also remove current COVID mask requirements for ALL programs, current and upcoming, on March 15, 2022.  Recognizing that everyone will be at different levels of comfort with in-person gatherings at this time, participants wishing to continue wearing masks during in-person programming are able to do so without prejudice.

Please note that all participants (athletes, coaches, volunteers, staff, spectators) are expected to follow the rules and regulations of any facility or municipality that has more stringent requirements in place.  For example, if a facility continues to require proof of vaccination for entry, participants are expected to provide that proof in order to gain entry and participate.

These requirements are current and fluid and will continue to be evaluated and adapted as new information becomes available, while always keeping the health and safety of our athletes, coaches and volunteers as the highest priority.

As always, we thank you for your patience and support as we balance the heath and safety of our programs with excitement as we Return, Rebuild and Reignite our movement.

Darren

MEMORANDUM

To: SOM Stakeholders

From: Darren Hemeryck, Director, Sport

Date: January 27, 2022

Re: Resumption of In-Person Programming

As a follow up to the memo dated January 4, 2022, Special Olympics Manitoba is excited to announce that starting Monday January 31, 2022, all programs will be allowed to return to in-person programming while continuing to follow all current Government of Manitoba COVID related guidelines and protocols.  The resumption of programming will be approved on a program by program basis by the provincial office in consultation with the Head Coach of each program and their respective Regional Leadership Team.  It is important to note that it is not expected that ALL programs will immediately re-start due to any number of reasons (facility is not available, coaches/volunteers are not available, etc).  Athletes and parents/caregivers are encouraged to contact their programs Head Coach to discuss the next steps to return to program such as start date as well as a reminder of safety protocols that need to be followed while participating.

Athletes and parents/caregivers are reminded that virtual options are still available for those that are able to return to in-person programming as well as those that do not have that option available at this time.  Please check out https://somflex.ca/events/ for the up to date activity schedule and to join in on the fun.

Please remember to follow the basics to staying healthy and keeping your friends healthy…stay home if you are not feeling well, wear a mask when you are in public, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer and finally, get vaccinated if you are able.

Stay safe!

Thanks!

Darren

Return to Play Handbook- Full (Updated September 10th 2021)

Return to Play Handbook - Coaches (Updated September 13th 2021)

Return to Play Handbook - Athletes