By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Special Olympics Kansas announced Monday four upcoming events have been canceled related to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.
The 2020 State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournaments scheduled for March 20 and 21 in Hays was included in the canceled events.
"While this news is incredibly disappointing for all of us, the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, staff and partners remains our top priority," said John Lair, president and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas in a statement announcing the cancelation.
After working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the national Special Olympics organization to ensure the safety of participants and others, the group made the decision in light of the recent confirmation of the virus in Kansas and surrounding states.
Other canceled events include the 2020 State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournaments scheduled for March 14 and 15 in Topeka, all Young Athletes Programs scheduled March 9 to 23, all local team practices and the KU Unified Basketball Championship game scheduled for March 19.
The group said it will re-evaluate the situation March 23 in regard to other upcoming events.
For updates from Special, Olympics Kansas visit the organization's Facebook page or the website, ksso.org.