Special Olympics drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement after Florida threatens $27.5M in fines – USA TODAY

Competitors will no longer need a COVID-19 vaccine to participate in the Special Olympics.

The state of Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis had threatened the Special Olympics with $27.5 million worth of fines over the organization’s vaccination requirements.

The Florida Department of Health sent a letter – obtained and first reported by ABC News – to the organization this week explaining their intentions to fine them for violating statutes that prohibit businesses and charitable organizations in Florida from requiring proof of vaccination to enter. 

Special Olympics officials rescinded the requirement Thursday in response and released a statement Friday ahead of the Games in Orlando: 

“Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) announced on June 2, 2022, that it is lifting the vaccine requirement for delegation members attending the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games being held in Orlando, Florida, June 5-12, as required by state of Florida officials on May 27, based upon the Florida Department of Health’s interpretation of Florida law.”

Florida said the vaccine rule conflicted with state law, and disqualified Special Olympics athletes from competing based on their vaccine status.

State said they heard from athletes and families of athletes who complained.

Here’s the letter the state sent. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/NgpHsQwve4

— Jay O’Brien (@jayobtv) June 3, 2022

Delegates who were registered for the games but not able to compete because of the prior vaccine requirement, are now allowed to attend.

“This will be a relief to a lot of the athletes,” DeSantis said in a press conference Friday afternoon. “There’s a significant number of them who were in limbo up until this week.”

The 2022 USA Games for Special Olympics International begin June 5. 

Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.

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