World Short Track Championships in South Korea on hiatus due to Coronavirus
The possibility of rescheduling or relocating the event to be considered
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The International Skating Union (ISU) announced today that the 2020 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships, set to take place from March 13-15 in Seoul, South Korea, have been put on hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The ISU’s complete statement on the World Championships can be found below:
The decision was made after authorities in the South Korean capital ordered the closure of the Mokdong Ice Rink and the cancellation of all competitions. As a result, the ISU is unable to hold the World Championships at the above-mentioned planned dates.
While rescheduling or relocating a competition of this magnitude would be difficult and pose many logistical challenges to organizers and participating teams, the ISU is currently exploring those possibilities before making a final decision on the complete cancellation of this season’s World Championships.
SSC STATEMENT
Given the recent coronavirus developments in South Korea, Speed
Skating Canada supports the International Skating Union’s decision to
postpone the 2020 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in
Seoul. The ISU has been working diligently alongside
the Korea Skating Union to evaluate the situation and SSC appreciates
that the decision made today takes into account the health and safety of
all participants.
We will continue to monitor the situation and await a final decision from the ISU on the rescheduling, relocation or cancellation of the event. Once a decision is made regarding the status of the competition, our high performance team, including the medical staff, will work together to evaluate the best way to move forward. The health and safety of our athletes and staff are paramount and will be at the forefront of any decision regarding Canada’s participation at the World Championships.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alain Brouillette
Speed Skating Canada
communications@speedskating.ca
613-601-2630