News Release: Unified Basketball Festival 2020 Update

To: The Courageous Steps Project Community 
FROM: Connor J. Archer, Chairman/CEO, Courageous Steps Project
DATE: Wednesday March 11th, 2020
RE: COVID-19 and The Courageous Steps Project

For Immediate Release

The Courageous Steps Project has been monitoring the status of COVID-19 for a few days now. A memo was sent out from Special Olympics of Maine and the Maine Principals’ Association yesterday regarding suspensions of all Unified Sports activities through March 31st, 2020, “Maine Principals’ Association’s recommendation is to follow Special Olympics Maine’s position on suspending all Unified Sports activities through the end of March. At that time, we will reevaluate the situation to determine if this will affect any Unified Sports activities through the remainder of the school year”. 

The Courageous Steps Project has been in communication with all parties involved in this weekend’s event. We have come to a decision that is difficult and hard for us to make, but is necessary due to protocols set by other organizations involved. This means that our 4th Annual Unified Basketball Fun Day Festival set for Friday March 13th & Saturday March 14th is CANCELLED at this time. 

As you can imagine, this decision is challenging and difficult for us to make as an organization. However, due to the liability associated in pursuing the event, it is not safe or appropriate to proceed forward hosting this event. We are choosing to adhere to the outline recommendations and feel like many if not all attending schools will also follow the same guidelines.

All other Courageous Steps Project upcoming events and other activities will resume as normal. If there are any changes/updates, we will be sure to pass that along to you! 
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We appreciate your support and understanding on this decision. It has been a difficult one to process on our end, but this is an important decision to ensure all involved are safe at this time. Anyone with questions or concerns, should contact Connor Archer, Chairman/CEO at: connor@thecourageousstepsproject.org.