COVID-19 Guidance

COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR THE WORLD GAMES

The CEO of Special Olympics International, Mary Davis published fresh guidance concerning COVID-19 and its impact on the upcoming World Games yesterday.

She said:

As we approach the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, I want to take a moment to recognize the tremendous efforts and hard work put in by every member of our team to prepare for this incredible event. The amount of dedication, time, and resources that you have all invested into making these games a reality, is truly remarkable.

However, I also want to acknowledge the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for us to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Special Olympics International (SOI) both share the objective of creating an environment with an acceptably low risk of virus transmission. We want to provide an enjoyable experience for all delegations and other stakeholder groups while delivering a successful event.

Considering this, COVID-19 will be treated like any other contagious disease during the Berlin 2023 Games. As acting responsibly is the key to success, we strongly recommend that everyone attending the games is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and avails themselves of any available vaccine booster. Regular testing is also highly recommended throughout the games, even though there will be no mandatory testing in place.

Everyone attending the World Games is encouraged to take a test before travelling to Berlin as well as during their stay in Berlin. To prevent an outbreak, it is necessary to test as soon as COVID-like symptoms occur and inform possible contact-persons. Volunteers and the workforce will also have access to Test-Kits if needed (upon request / credential pick-up). In addition, COVID-19 Test-Kits are widely available to purchase all over Berlin, so everyone in need of a Test-Kit may visit a drugstore or local pharmacy (costs: €1-2 per Test-Kit).

Masks are recommended whenever they will add to individuals’ feeling of safety, especially when distancing is not possible, and sanitizer stations will be available throughout the games. We advise all participants to follow basic hygiene recommendations, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding physical contact.

We kindly request that you disseminate this guidance to sponsors, volunteers, and individuals traveling to the Games. Their involvement is integral to the success of the Games, and we want to ensure they are informed and prepared.

We are doing everything possible to keep everyone safe, and we encourage everyone to take their health seriously.

So - to summarise:

• COVID-19 will be treated like any other contagious disease during the World Games
• It is strongly recommended that everyone attending the games be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Everyone attending the games is encouraged to take a COVID-19 Test before travelling to Berlin as well as during their stay.
• Masks are recommended whenever they will add to the individual's feeling of safety.
• All participants should follow basic hygiene recommendations, such as washing hands regularly etc.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO YOU

The advice provided by Mary Davis is clearly aimed at a wide audience - competitors, officials, spectators and of course the Final Leg team.  Nothing in the advice is mandatory - we have reached a point where the responsibility to act in your own best interests lies with you. 

I would ask that you consider bringing a couple of COVID tests with you so that you have easy access to a test that you are familiar with in the event that you begin to experience COVID or FLU like symptoms.  Please bring a mask with you - just in case you feel the need to wear one at any time during the course of the event.

If you are feeling unwell at any time during your stay in Berlin, please tell your Team Leader.

In the case that you don't bring tests or masks, we will be able to source them for you in the event that they are required.

Stay well and healthy

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY FOR THE 2023 SO WORLD SUMMER GAMES

The Berlin 2023 Games Local Organizing Committee, in conjunction with Special Olympics International have been working hard to develop policies that ensure the safety and protection of all people participating in the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

The policies apply to athletes, coaches, support staff, Special Olympics staff and other credentialed stakeholders, including members of the LETR Final Leg team.

Copies of the Games Local Organizing Committee Policy (dated 1 December 2022) and the accompanying Special Olympics International Memo are attached for information.

In summary, the LOC has determined that:

All delegation members are strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters to attend the Games.

This decision was reached following consultation with medical experts and a thorough review of local and international guidance, along with a confirmation of a high level of COVID-19 vaccination by many Delegation members in a recent Special Olympics survey.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will NOT BE REQUIRED.

The pandemic will continue to challenge planning for the World Games, and the potential impacts of COVID-19 will remain a core priority. As new information on the COVID-19 virus emerges additional measures may be warranted. These COVID-19 prevention measures will be reviewed, implemented, and communicated in early May 2023 based on the pandemic’s development and evolving national regulations in Germany.

Click here to view the Games LOC Policy document

Click here to view the Special Olympics International Memo