Paddle Australia Update: 2020 International Competition Calendar Canoe Slalom, Sprint and Paracanoe
This is an update on the current situation regarding international tours that had been planned for athletes who have recently been selected to respective teams to attend upcoming international competitions.
The ICF recently provided an update on the coronavirus situation and its effect on upcoming competitions. They confirmed that all ICF competitions are postponed or cancelled up until 31 May.
The ICF also provided dates when decisions would be made on the future of competitions beyond the 31st of May. See current ICF status of events here: https://www.canoeicf.com/coronavirus-COVID-19-updates-canoekayak-events
Given the situation has rapidly changed in the last 10days and with all indications suggesting that COVID-19 is accelerating, along with the recent measures (including travel bans) put in place by the Australian Government as well as the closure of all SIS/SAS and National Centre of Excellences, Paddle Australia would like to give these teams some clarity.
In order to hopefully reduce some anxiety for everyone involved due to the ongoing uncertainty, Paddle Australia has made the decision to not send any National Teams overseas between now and the end of July.
Further updates will be provided as information comes to hand and certainly once the ICF provides further clarity for competitions being held beyond July 31. This information is expected to be received late April/early May.
In the event that the ICF postpones, as opposed to cancels, any of the following competitions, Paddle Australia will re-evaluate its position at that point in time.
This decision affects the following teams and competitions:
Canoe Slalom:
World Cup 1 (Ivréa, ITA, 5-7 June)
World Cup 2 (Pau, FRA, 12-14 June)
Junior & U23 World Championships (Ljubljana, SLO, 7-12 July)
TBC:
World Cup 3 (Liptovsky, 21-23 August)
World Cup 4 (Prague, 18-20 September)
World Cup 5 (Markkleeberg, 25-27 September)
Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe:
Asia Pacific Regatta (Japan, 15-17 May) – a decision has been made to POSTPONE this regatta until 2021 (Japan).
World Cup 1 (Racice, CZE, 7-10 May) – already CANCELLED by the ICF
World Cup 2 (including Paracanoe World Championships) (Duisburg, 21-24 May)
Junior and U23 World Championships (Brandenburg, 16-19 July)
TBC:
Olympic Hopes Regatta (Szeged, 11-13 September)
Whilst there is still a lot of uncertainty as to how long this pandemic will continue for, Paddle Australia have made the decision that the likelihood of any competitions scheduled before July 31, is unrealistic.
Making this decision early, provides individuals with certainty, reduces anxiety as a result of the unknown and allows athletes, coaches and family support networks to plan accordingly.
Selected athletes have already been informed and whilst we are sure you that our athletes will be disappointed with this news, as we know how hard everyone has worked to obtain team selection, given the current status of COVID-19, the Australian Government restrictions, along with the inability to train adequately for these events, we believe making this decision early is the right one and will allow individuals to focus on the more important elements of life right now.
We encourage our athletes, if possible, to keep active on the water in a safe and healthy manner with the knowledge that things will improve and life will get back to normal.
Please see the links below for pertinent information.
- International Canoe Federation (ICF)https://www.canoeicf.com/news/icf-update-coronavirus-and-event-schedule
- Paddle Australia (PA)http://paddle.org.au/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-links/
- Smart Traveller Websitehttps://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
We thank everyone for their understanding during this challenging time.
Stay healthy.
See pdf here:Â Team Communique-Final.
