SAN ANTONIO, TX, February 23, 2021 – Officials of Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) announced today that the 2021 Summer Games at Morgan’s Wonderland have been rescheduled for Sept. 19-22.
Previously, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials had announced a postponement of the games that had been initially set for early May, however, SOTX believes that the September time frame will enable a large number of athletes to participate in multiple sports competitions.
“After discussion with Morgan’s Wonderland, team coaches and others key to the games, we decided Sept. 19-22 worked the best for hundreds of athletes statewide eager to participate,” said Chad Eason, SOTX director of competition and games. “This will be a Sunday-through-Wednesday schedule for 2021 only. We’re planning for the opening ceremony and victory dance to be held Sunday, Sept. 19.”
Eason added that Summer Games information and updates will be available at https://www.sotx.org/summergames,
“We’re delighted that the 2021 Summer Games can proceed at Morgan’s Wonderland,” said Ron Morander, CEO of the Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation, which coordinates planning, fundraising and communications between the unique theme park and other ventures designed with the special-needs community in mind. “We look forward to a return of the joy and excitement that the Summer Games generated when they were held at Morgan’s Wonderland for the first time two years ago.”
Meanwhile, after being closed for approximately a year because of COVID-19, Morgan’s Wonderland plans to reopen to guests Friday, March 5, and to follow strict safety protocols recommended by health officials.
Guests will be required to wear face masks, practice physical-distancing, consume food and snacks in designated areas and use hand-sanitizing stations throughout the park, Morander said. Since there will be capacity limits on the number of guests admitted to Morgan’s Wonderland, all guests will be required to purchase admission tickets online at www.MorgansWonderland.com/admissions before visiting.
In turn Morgan’s Wonderland employees will be required to undergo health screenings and temperature checks each day of park operation, wear masks, limit time spent indoors, follow physical-distancing where applicable, wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant throughout the day and use hand-sanitizing stations following guest transactions.
Ultra-accessible™, fully-inclusive Morgan’s Wonderland offers more than 25 rides and attractions. It’s located in Northeast San Antonio, a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. For more information, visit www.MorgansWonderland.com.
Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports and other facilities to help the special-needs community comprise the Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation (MWIF), founded in 2020 to coordinate fundraising, planning and communications among all Morgan’s Wonderland-associated projects. The new foundation seeks to increase growth of the Morgan’s Wonderland “family” – soon to include Morgan’s Wonderland Camp and the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland, or The MAC – and expand its mission of inclusion through sustained funding and support. For more information, visit www.MorgansWonerland.com/MWIF.
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately-funded, non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all and fostering communities of understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org, or call (800) 876-5646.
