by Alfonz Juck
Coronavirus, courtesy of JournalistResource.org
This is the updated list of events affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus on the global athletics market.
VIRUS IMPACT
NEW YORK (USA): The upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo likely would be postponed one or two years if they do not go on as scheduled due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, a member of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee’s executive board told The Wall Street Journal. Haruyuki Takahashi told the newspaper in an article published Tuesday that other options — such as playing the Games without spectators or canceling them entirely — would have substantial financial ramifications. Thus, a postponement would be the best option if the Games do not begin as scheduled. Informs Vancouversun.com.
NEW YORK (USA): NYC Half scheduled for Sunday March 15 has been cancelled. “We appreciate the support of New York City officials through this complicated decision-making process. We know this is a challenging time for everyone, and the cancellation of the NYC Half is disappointing news to many, but the resources necessary to organize an event with 25,000 runners on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan have become strained during this difficult period. Over the past week the NYRR team worked hard to adjust plans, implementing modifications and accommodations to alleviate crowding and facilitate social distancing. Unfortunately, it has become clear that we will be unable to proceed in the manner that our runners have come to expect at NYRR events, where the safety and security of our runners, volunteers, staff, partners, and spectators are our main concern,” says a statement among other.
BANGKOK (THA): Another cancelled event is Asian U20 Championships planned for May 14-15 in Bangkok, Thailand.
ST. GEORGE´S (GRN): The organisers of the 4th annual Grenada Invitational (World Athletics Continental Tour Silver) after extensive deliberations with local public health officials, broadcast partners, sponsors and athletes representatives, it was the determined that the paramount importance of the health of citizens and the expected influx of travellers (athletes, etc). The decision is to postpone the event which was scheduled for April 4, 2020. A new date for the meet will be announced once the virus is no longer a threat and normalcy in travel and other routine activities is returned.
BRUSSELS (BEL): Postponed is also the European Evening of Sports 2020, initially planned to take place on 16 March in Brussels.
NAIROBI (KEN): The Kenyan Sports Ministry has banned sportspeople from traveling to any international sporting events for the next month. “Following the global outbreak of COVID-19, the government has put in place measures to deal with the situation to safeguard the public and the country at large. In this regard the Ministry wishes to inform you there will be no more travel for international events until further notice and notably for the next one month,” read a decree from the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage.
MILAN (ITA): The Stramilano Half Marathon on 5 April has been postponed due to the coronavirus. Work is underway to find a new date on the calendar for the event.
DEBNO (POL): The Debno Marathon which was initially due to take place on 5 April has been postponed until 11 October, informs Polish media. The event also incorporates the Polish Marathon Championships.
FREIBURG (GER): The Freiburg Half Marathon and Marathon on 28-29 March have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus, informs Leichtathletik.de.
BRATISLAVA (SVK): The jubilee 15th CSOB Bratislava Marathon initially planned for April 5 will be now held on September 6, organisers announced.
KINGSTON (JAM): The Government has decided that Jamaica will not participate in the Penn Relays this year due to the coronavirus. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton made the announcement at a press conference this afternoon where it was disclosed that a young female patient has tested positive for the virus, becoming Jamaica’s first case of COVID-19.
PLEVEN (BUL): Pleven Marathon in Bulgaria planned for May 17 was postponed for September 27.
LISBON (POR): The 30th edition of Lisboa Half Marathon planned for March 22 was postponed for September 6. Some 16 500 runners entered and additional 14 000 for the 10 km.
PADERBORN (GER): Paderborn Osterlauf planned for April 11 was cancelled, the organisers are trying to find another date.
KLOSTERNEUBURG (AUT): Austrian CC Championships planned for Sunday March 15 in Klosterneuburg will not be staged. New date is planned for Fall 2020 in the same place.
MADRID (ESP): Spanish federation cancelled the Annual Gala and commemorative act of the Centenary of the federation. Also the U20 indoor championships planned for this weekend in Sabadell will not be held.
INDIANAPOLIS (USA): The 2020 USATF Masters Indoor Championships set to be held March 13-15, 2020 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana have been canceled based on the recommendation of the local organizing committee (LOC).
KINGSTON (JAM): A decision on whether Boys and Girls Athletics Championships will be held this month will be known within 24 hours. Jamaica’s Minister of Health & Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton made the disclosure during a press conference. Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), on Sunday, said its possible this year’s Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, Champs, could be held without spectators.
