GREAT FALLS — Special Olympics of Montana is encouraging their athletes to train virtually as means of maintaining healthy habits and social connection.
Special Olympics of Montana CEO Rhonda McCarty said these sessions are especially important to keep their athletes connected in a time of social isolation due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures.
“We happen to work with a population who is already often isolated in normal life, and now with our stay-at-home measures, you know that’s even more than ever. So, we really are striving to stay connected,” McCarty said.
The virtual training sessions not only offer the athletes advice on how to maintain their health but the opportunity to connect with their community.
“We are offering these live interactive virtual training sessions. And I think interactive might be a keyword," McCarty said.
"We have launched them live to allow people to come in, and comment, start conversations, and react to other participants’ conversations.”
SOMT is still in the process of planning their Summer Games but said they will be modifying the event this year due to lack of ability to train in sport-specific areas.
In the meantime, bi-weekly training sessions will be live-streamed on Facebook on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.
You can view past training sessions on the Special Olympics Montana Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
