The sports hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has left a void in the lives of many people, especially Special Olympic athletes.

CEO of Special Olympics Saskatchewan, Faye Matt joined the Sports Cage with Derek Taylor last week to discuss how the break in sports has affected Special Olympic athletes.

Matt said that for many of the athletes, sports mean so much more to them than just a competition.

“Sport is what brings us together and what gives people purpose, and brings communities together,” said Matt. “We definitely are feeling that gap.”

According to Matt, there are more than 1500 Special Olympic athletes in 17 different communities around Saskatchewan, in addition to over 600 volunteers.

Matt said that despite different limitations in living situations and some athletes not having access to virtual platforms, Special Olympics is trying to help the athletes train and see each other.

“We’re offering virtual training opportunities, challenges, and promotion of things that folks can be doing at home to maintain their health and sport-minded thinking,” said Matt. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to collaborate with Special Olympics, which is an international organization, to deliver opportunities to our athletes as much as possible.”

Carl Paulhus, a Special Olympic athlete from Moose Jaw, said that normally, he would be preparing to compete in his three sports of bowling, floor hockey, and bocce, so it’s hard for him to be cooped up at home.

He added that he misses the social atmosphere of practices.

“I miss working towards it and competing in it,” said Paulhus. “Also, hanging out with all the athletes that participate in everything.”

The 2020 Special Olympics Winter Games wrapped up shortly before COVID-19 took hold in Canada, which Matt said they are lucky for.

She added that Special Olympics have some time to see how things unfold, as the next games aren’t scheduled until the summer of 2021.