2022 PA Canoe Sprint – Newsletter 2

Dear Canoe Sprint Community,

Thanks to everyone for your patience while PA, the relevant State Paddle Associations (SPAs), our Canoe Sprint Technical Committee and Local Organising Committees worked through the scenarios and solutions in providing a PA 2022 national level competition program for the benefit of all.

The decision for each competition location and dates needed to consider the current status of Covid-19 and associated state legislation at each venue, the type of competition paddling course required for National Team selections, and the timing around the 2022 Surf Lifesaving National and State Championships to avoid any clashes of competition dates.

It was planned to host the PA 2022 Canoe Sprint Championships at Champion Lakes in Perth, WA. However, in the best interests of everyone involved it has been agreed to holdover this booking and host the event in Perth in 2023 when we are sure there will be greater certainty around  travel to/from WA with the Covid-19 situation being further progressed and more local people double vaccinated.

2022 CANOE SPRINT COMPETITION PROGRAM

GRAND PRIX REGATTA – Senior and U/23 National Team Selections

The Grand Prix will be hosted at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith NSW with racing anticipated to commence on the afternoon of Wednesday 16th of February and run through to  Sunday 20th of February.

CANOE SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS / OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Junior National Team Selections

The PA Canoe Sprint Championships (Nationals), including Oceania Championships and Junior National Team Selections will be hosted at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith NSW from Wednesday the 13th of April to Sunday the Sunday the 17th of April. This is the Easter Weekend and is a common school holiday in all States.

EVENT RACE SCHEDULE FOR GRAND PRIX REGATTA

A draft race program will be circulated to the SIS/SAS coaches and NCE coaches prior to Christmas for comment. The final program will be published shortly afterwards. As mentioned above, it is anticipated that racing will commence the afternoon of Wednesday 16th February.

EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Early in the New Year PA will be calling for event volunteers to register for both the Grand Prix regatta in February, and the Canoe Sprint Championships in April. Please start thinking about anyone who can put their hand up to help run the events. Remember there is a role for everyone, and we cannot host events for paddlers without the time and expertise of our wonderful volunteers.

COVID-19 AND INTERSTATE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

PA recommends you continue to make yourself aware of information in relation to COVID-19. Please review information provided by the Australian Government, Sports bodies and State and Territory governments. Paddle Australia will engage with key stakeholders in making decisions about the status of each event and the appropriateness of their use for selections based on the restrictions to and from each state at the time.

FLIGHT AND ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS

We note that changes around the organisation of the Grand Prix and National Championships could have to be made very close to the events. We appreciate that this may cause some inconvenience, but we know that most of you want to see these national events take place if at all possible.

PA strongly recommends that anyone making a booking for a flight or accommodation closely review the policy and any terms or conditions regarding cancellations due to border closures for Covid19. Most airlines now give a credit for the full amount you paid for a flight booking if you cannot fly due to a border closure for Covid-19. Each accommodation option will have their own cancellation policy. Please note it is the responsibility of the individual to understand all risks when making your bookings.

VACCINATION STATUS TO ENTER COMPETITIONS

Please be aware the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) has rules relating to Covid-19 and entry to their venue. To see SIRC Covid-19 Update please CLICK HERE

The venue is operating as a major recreation facility under the Public Health Order which means anyone aged 16 years and over entering the site now must be fully vaccinated and sign in via the Service NSW QR codes that will be placed around the venue.

Children aged under 16 years of age who are not fully vaccinated are permitted to attend the venue now but must be with a fully vaccinated adult who is a member of that person’s household. These conditions of entry may or may not change in the future.

PA will continue to update our sprint community closer to each competition with any conditions of entry to SIRC. Please note whatever restrictions SIRC enforce for entry to the venue everyone will need to comply to enter and to compete.

Yours in paddling,

Lucy Warhurst

Sport Operations Manager

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