Special Olympics MN still on with COVID-19-safe events

Special Olympics Minnesota created COVID-19 safe events so its athletes could compete in the midst of a pandemic.

Taking inspiration from drive-up graduations, drive-thru parades, and drive-in movies, organizers created the first State Punt, Pass, Kick Drive-Thru Competition.

“It’s been really popular. We have four locations between this weekend and next weekend, right around 190 participants signed up between them all,” said Devin Kaasa, senior manager for sports and education with Special Olympics Minnesota.

Athletes and their families pull up to sign in and then wait in their cars with a view of the events until it’s their turn to compete. Masks were required and all families were asked COVID-19 screening questions before athletes were able to compete.

The Woodbury location Saturday had athletes throwing, kicking, and punting a football. They also ran the 40-yard dash and finished with the plank.

After picking up a "swag bag" and getting their individual picture, they were back in their car and done for the day. There was plenty of room for social distancing and organizers were sanitizing the equipment between uses.

There is still time to sign up with two more days for you, or an athlete you know, to compete, click here.