SOUTH PORTLAND — All sporting events under the Maine chapter of Special Olympics, including unified basketball, has been suspended for the remainder of the month, according to a press release. 

“The health, wellness and safety of our athletes, and our entire Special Olympic community, is of the utmost importance to all of us,” said Maine Special Olympics President and CEO Philip Geelhoed. “We are facing some very difficult and challenging times with regard to COVID-19 and [its] spread around the world.” 

After receiving March 9 a memo distributed to all Special Olympic programs, Geelhoed announced March 10 the suspension of all Special Olympics Maine sport training and competition activities through March 31, the press release noted. 

“Prior to that date, the situation will be reevaluated for further action,” said Geelhoed.

The memo, according to the release, allows fundraising events that do not include Special Olympic athletes, who, the release noted, are at a heightened risk due to age and/or compromised immune systems, to proceed. 

“Needless to say this decision does not come as an easy one,” said Geelhoed. “These actions are necessary to ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent transmission of the virus.”

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.