South American C/ships, CARIFTA Games in doubt because of COVID-19
The South American Senior Championships and the CARIFTA Games both hang in the balance due to a surge in cases of COVID-19 in the respective host territories, Argentina and Bermuda.
According to President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, “Argentina has recently indicated that they cannot host the South American Championships” while the fate of the Caribbean showpiece should be known tomorrow.
The championships were initially scheduled to be held in Buenos Aires from May 14-16. Currently, an alternative date and host nation is being discussed by the South American Athletics Confederation (CONSUDATLE).
Meanwhile, the Local Organizing Committee of the Games is scheduled to report to the council of North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) tomorrow on the way forward with regards to the running off of CARIFTA.
Hutson said that the AAG is viewing with much concern the postponement or cancellation of track and field meets one after the other especially in this part of the region.
“Our concern primarily right now is the CARIFTA Games to be held in August but from all indications, the LOC in Bermuda is having a very difficult time with their government’s position as it regards to their protocols of visitors.”
The 49th edition of the CARIFTA Games was postponed last year and rescheduled on multiple occasions this year.
A new date, August 13-15 was agreed on, but a COVID-19 spike has since cast a fresh shadow over the Games. Bermuda has seen 12 deaths and 1,148 new cases in April alone so far. In all, the island has recorded 24 deaths among 2,362 confirmed cases.
At a recent meeting, CARIFTA 2021 Local Organising Committee (LOC) member Mia Bean spoke about a nonnegotiable requirement that any unvaccinated visitor to Bermuda must be quarantined for 14 days.
Since the vaccination requirement would impact all Under-17 athletes as well as some of the Under-20s, it is a significant stumbling block.
Other potential challenges were put on the table, including the impact of positive COVID-19 tests during the Games, available hotel rooms, and timelines for booking charters and making payments.
Hutson, told Stabroek Sport that he understands that the teen athletes will be frustrated but he is hoping that the pandemic situation can become calmer in South America especially in Brazil so that at least the South American Junior Championships can be staged.
He concluded that in the meantime, the AAG will do all in its power to keep its athletes active until they can return to international competition in a safe environment.