Special Olympics Helping Athletes "Celebrate Movement" During Pandemic -- And Looking for Support
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Special Olympics Helping Athletes "Celebrate Movement" During Pandemic -- And Looking for Support
"We had to come up with a brand new fundraiser that was safe but financially successful," said SORI CEO Dennis DeJesus, who said the organization has lost over $500,000 in sponsorships during the COVID-19 crisis.
This summer, SORI held a "virtual" Summer Games in lieu of its annual signature in-person event. Now, SORI is celebrating its athletes and athletics with a new fundraiser.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"We decided to call it "Celebrate the Movement," said DeJesus. "Anyone can choose their type of movement — whether it's cycling, running, walking, and then you go out and get pledges."
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According to DeJesus, athletes have one week to fulfill their movement -- which ends on October 3.
"We couldn’t go somewhere to walk together, so everyone is on their own," he said. "It’s been a tremendous success so far, we've raised over $100,000 to date."
"Right now we have a little over 125 people participating. Athletes, coaches, families, friends — our board really has been leading the way, with our staff right up there," he said. "We’re thinking it’s something we might do every year."
Helping Special Olympics Family in Time of Need -- and Returning to Play
"This is a group of people who’ve overcome challenges their whole life," said DeJesus. "Coronavirus however is confusing with uncertainty and isolation. We’ve let folks know we're here 24/7."
"One day I got a text that said 'I’m scared.' That was it," he said, of hearing from an athlete. "I called right away. I said call me any time you feel down — we’ve had a number of conversations."
"The good news is we’re back to play," said DeJesus. "We’ve got low-contact sports, and they see the light at the end of the tunnel."
DeJesus said that currently, athletes are participating in cycling, tennis, alternate shot golf, and a walking club.
"Later this fall, we’ll do corn hole, bocce, hiking — and basketball skills," he said. "We’re really excited about getting back to play."