Coronavirus fears lead to cancellation of basketball tournament in Pierre

March 10, 2020

PIERRE, S.D.–Special Olympics South Dakota has canceled this weekend’s state basketball tournament in Pierre as a precaution because of the coronavirus.

The organization says “due to the heightened risks and vulnerability of people with intellectual disabilities and the elderly, we must take every precaution in protecting our athletes and constituents.”

All practices have been suspended as well.

A memo from the national organization says state programs are “very strongly advised to suspend all sport training and competition activities and other activations involving our athletes through 31 March 2020.”

Special Olympics officials will reevaluate the situation at that time.

There are no known cases of coronavirus in South Dakota.