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RETURN TO PLAY GUIDELINES

Updated June 26, 2022

The health and safety of everyone involved with Special Olympics Rhode Island continues to be our top priority during these challenging times.  Since the state of Rhode Island is currently  experiencing a “low transmission rate” for COVID-19, SORI is following the Low Risk Phase guidance on Return to In-Person activities outlined by Special Olympics, Inc. for our Summer Sports Programs.

This Low Risk Phase” guidance is based on the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities.  It has been created in consultation with a team of global medical experts and with input from Special Olympics stakeholders.  This guidance is above the local and state levels because of the high risk of COVID-19 to our athletes.

During this Return to Play – Low Risk Phase, Special Olympics Rhode Island will be functioning under the State of Rhode Island Reopening Regulations for event size and risk mitigation along with the additional Special Olympics, Inc guidelines for screening, mask wearing, social distancing and hygiene protocol.

All athletes will remain in this “Return to Play – Low Risk Phase” for the sports/activities that they are participating in until the state’s transmission rate for COVID-19 increases to a higher level, and it is appropriate to move up to a more restrictive stage. 

Spring Sports/Activities that will be offered during “Return to Play – Low Risk Phase” will be Unified Softball, Softball Skills, Unified Golf, Intermediate Level Golf, Golf Skills, Unified Walking and Unified Zumba.

Additional information for each sport being offered is provided below.

Any questions regarding our Return to Play Guidelines, please contact Adam Johnson, Manager of Sports Training & Coaches Education at Adam@specialolympicsri.org.

SORI “LOW RISK” COVID Guidelines:

  • Vaccination is NOT a requirement for participation in SORI activities, but we would appreciate proof of vaccination from all participants that are vaccinated.
  • SORI recognizes full vaccination as having received your initial doses; the booster is NOT required to meet criteria for full vaccination
  • Masks are now optional for all vaccinated participants at indoor trainings and events for SORI; we ask that you please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated
  • Masks are optional for everyone at outdoor events for SORI
  • Spectators are asked to respect and follow all COVID-19 protocols for SORI
  • If you are practicing or competing at a venue with stricter policies for COVID-19; you are to follow the guidelines of the venue

UNIFIED BASKETBALL

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Games will be played on Wednesday nights at various gyms throughout the state on October 19th, 26th, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th
  • Game times range from 6pm to 8:30pm based on location
  • Tournament – Saturday, December 3rd at Providence College – Opening Ceremony at 9am
  • Coaches must submit rosters by October 3rd to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org
  • Games will be played on Wednesday nights at various gyms throughout the state on October 19th, 26th, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th
  • Game times range from 6pm to 8:30pm based on location
  • Tournament – Saturday, December 3rd at Providence College – Opening Ceremony at 9am
  • Coaches must submit rosters by October 3rd to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org

UNIFIED BOCCE

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Teams must report intent to play by the week of September 19th
  • Tournament – Sunday, October 30th at Bryant University, Smithfield RI -Opening Ceremony at 9:30am
  • Coaches must submit rosters and ratings by October 11th to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org

UNIFIED CORNHOLE

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Teams must report intent to play by the week of September 19th
  • Tournament – Sunday, October 30th at Bryant University, Smithfield RI -Opening Ceremony at 9:30am
  • Coaches must submit rosters and ratings by October 11th to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org

TRADITIONAL DUCKPIN BOWLING

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Teams must report intent to play by the week of October 3rd
  • Tournament – Saturday, November 12th and Sunday November 13th at Town Hall Lanes, Johnston RI
  • Coaches must submit final rosters and scores by October 31st to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org

UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL & FLAG FOOTBALL SKILLS

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Burgess Field, Smithfield
  • Sundays at 10am
  • Practice: September 11, 18
  • Games: September 25, October 2, 16, and 23
  • Tournament – Sunday, October 30th at Bryant University, Smithfield RI – Opening Ceremony at 9:30am
  • Coaches must submit rosters by September 6th to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org

TRADITIONAL SOCCER

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Games will be played on Wednesday nights at various fields throughout the state on August 31, September 7, 14, 21, and 28
  • Most games will start at 6pm
  • Tournament – Sunday, October 2nd at Colt State Park, Bristol – Opening Ceremony at 10:30am
  • Coaches must submit rosters by August 22nd to Adam Johnson at Adam@specialolympicsri.org

TENNIS (STATEWIDE PROGRAM)

  • Northern Location: Providence College
  • Southern Location: Christofaro Park, Narragansett RI
  • Saturdays at 10am
  • Practices: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, and 15
  • Tournament – Saturday, October 22nd at Providence College – Opening Ceremony TBD
  • Athletes must register by September 2nd with Louise Miller  at Louise@specialolympicsri.org

UNIFIED WALKING/FITNESS PROGRAMS

  • Athletes must contact their local program Head Coach to register for this sport.
  • Practice starts week of September 19th
  • Coaches must submit rosters by September 16th to Stephanie Beaudette at Stephanie@specialolympicsri.org

YOUNG ATHLETES

Young Athletes (Ages 2-7)

 

UNIFIED JUNIORS

Unified Juniors (Ages 8-15)

  • Fall Season – Flag Football Skills
  • Tournament – Sunday, October 30th at Bryant University, Smithfield RI – Opening Ceremony 9:30am
  • Coaches must submit rosters by September 16th
  • Scores submitted by October 17th
  • All interested families can register with Stephanie Beaudette Stephanie@specialolympicsri.org

UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS

Elementary, Middle and High Schools interested in Unified Champion Schools programming should contact Stephanie Beaudette at stephanie@specialolympicsri.org to get involved.

Fall Opportunities:
UCS – Middle School Unified Cross Country
UCS – High School Unified Volleyball

SO COLLEGE - UNIFIED VOLLEYBALL

SO COLLEGE – Unified Volleyball (Ages 18-29)

  • Athletes register for the program and are assigned to play for a team run by local colleges
  • Participating Schools: Bryant University, Providence College, and University of RI
  • Monday nights starting no later than 7pm
  • Athletes must have reliable transportation to travel to all sites for games
  • Practices: September 26, October 3, and 17
  • Games: October 24, 31, and November 7
  • Jamboree – Monday, November 14th **Location TBD**
  • Athletes must register by September 19th by contacting Louise Miller at Louise@specialolympicsri.org

GET UP AND MOVE

Join “Stephanie and Friends” for our new monthly SORI Get Up and Move television fitness classes! You can watch the April edition of our new fitness show on our website, YouTube or on PEG-RI public access television channels on the following days & times:

East Providence/Pawtucket Areas: Mondays at 10am, Wednesdays at 8:30pm & Fridays at 3pm on Ch. 18 on Cox
and Ch. 25 on Verizon statewide
Johnson/Cranston/Scituate/Foster Areas: Mondays at 5pm, Wednesdays at 8pm & Fridays at 11am on Ch. 18 on Cox
and Ch. 30 on Verizon statewide.

For more information on SORI Get Up and Move, please contact Stephanie at stephanie@specialolympicsri.org

Click here to watch the August 2022 edition of SORI Get Up and Move!

ATHLETE INFORMATION CALLS

Topics for our Athlete Information Calls have included information about COVID-19; Return to Play; Health & Fitness; variety of guest speakers and a Trivia Night.  Be sure to stay connected with Special Olympics Rhode Island and your friends by joining us via Zoom. New dates to be announced.  

New dates coming soon.