Special Olympics Pennsylvania has canceled the 2023 Summer Games because of air quality concerns, the organization announced on Thursday. The event for nearly 2,000 athletes from across the commonwealth was scheduled for Thursday through Saturday at Penn State.
For the second consecutive day, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday declared a Code Red Air Quality alert for areas including Centre County as smoky air from Canadian wildfires continued to move through the Northeast and Midwest. AirNow.gov had the State College area’s air quality at “unhealthy” on Thursday.
The alert advised that “members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects” that can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity outdoors.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) provides year-round training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, who “have higher rates of adverse health conditions and are at greater risk,” the organizations said in a statement.
“We have been closely monitoring weather and air quality conditions in the State College area and the forecast through this weekend,” the statement said. “Based on the best information available to us from a variety of reputable sources, we do not believe conditions would permit us to safely conduct these Games. This decision was not made lightly as we know how much time and effort was invested by so many staff and volunteers in preparing for this event.”
Opening ceremonies, which had already been moved from outdoors at Medlar Field to Pegula Ice Arena, were scheduled for Thursday night. Throughout the three-day event, athletes were to compete in aquatics, athletics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis.
Marking its 54th year, the Summer Games annually welcome thousands of athletes, nearly 800 coaches and the support of about 1,000 volunteers
“While canceling events is truly disappointing for athletes who have trained for months to compete – as well as for the volunteers, family, friends and our staff and board who support them and look forward to cheering for them – we know that our love of sport doesn’t compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of all involved,” the statement from SOPA said.
Air quality concerns also caused the cancellation of the State College Spikes game against the Trenton Thunder scheduled for Wednesday night at Medlar Field.
