Sport
20 March, 2020
Sports cancelled in light of COVID-19 pandemic
Sports all across the Tablelands have been cancelled or postponed due to the risks of COVID-19 contamination and to help combat its spread.
Sports all across the Tablelands have been cancelled or postponed due to the risks of COVID-19 contamination and to help combat its spread.
All Soccor and Netball games have been suspended until April 14 and 20 respectively, while the ongoing cricket season has been cancelled.
Cairns District Rugby League has suspended all of its games, carnivals and selection trials until the first of May where they still plan to continue the season from May until October.
A spokesperson from each respective governing body; Cairns District Rugby League, Cricket Far North, FNQ Football and Netball Queensland have all stated that this suspension of games, carnivals and selection trials is the best decision to help combat the spread COVID-19 in the region.
Race goers will be sadly disappointed as Racing Queensland (RQ) has announced that all TAB and non-TAB meetings across the state will be conducted without patrons until further notice.
Only licenced participants, essential club, QRIC and RQ staff, broadcasting services, approved accredited media and associated emergency staff such as veterinarians and ambulance services will be permitted access to the events.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell has stated that RQ is experiencing a “unique and complex situation.”
“The health and safety of our 40,000 participants remains our top priority,” he said.
“We will continue to work with our clubs, QRIC and participants to navigate this period.
“It is important we restrict on-course access in the short-term to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact to our industry.”
The highly anticipated Great Wheelbarrow Race of 2020 has also been cancelled after council followed the government’s advice, taking appropriate action to reduce the spread of the virus.
Wheelbarrow Race Committee Chair Nipper Brown agrees with council’s decision to cancel the race for the betterment of the athletes and the public.
“It’s going to have a big impact on the likes of Chillagoe, Almaden and Dimbulah revenue wise,” he said.
“That’s thousands of dollars they won’t get.
“I do agree with council’s decision and I believe that the only viable option was to cancel it; if we postpone it we then have the participants running in some of the hottest months of the year.”
The Australian Government has advised all citizens to practice social distancing and self isolation to help stem the spread of COVID-19, Find up-to-date reliable information on the Queensland Health website at www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.
