Scottish Fencing are disappointed to hear of the postponement of Challenge Wratislavia 2020. We do of course empathise with the organisers decision to accept the risk of spreading COVID-19 is beyond the acceptable level and we will stay engaged with the organisers should the event have an alternative date presented for later in 2020.
There are lots of athletes worldwide keen to take part and of course we in Scotland are no different with more than 30 aiming for this event as a key part of their development. Our staff team are working with all the Pathways Squad athletes and their families as the event was due to be the sporting pinnacle of the programme. If a viable alternative is offered for athletes from the tournament organisers we will discuss it within the Pathways Group.
Our own Scottish Youth Championships were also coming up on 25/26 April. We have also taken the decision to postpone this event until later in 2020. I realise this isn’t perfect either but there are so many unknowns regarding the spread of COVID-19 and potential affected areas and impacts. We feel it is easier now to make this call and give clarity to our admittedly disappointed athletes but we aim to reschedule the SYC’s for a later date in the year.
In the meantime, we ask that the Fencing community in Scotland does what it continuously does best – come together and support each other. Our advice offered yesterday on social channels via the Deputy Chief Medical Officer still stands which is maintain a high degree of personal hygiene with particular emphasis on hand washing and please do pay attention to the relevant websites such as Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel (FCO here) and your Local Authority & Scottish Government comms channels for any updates closer to home.
Thank you
Vincent Bryson
Chief Executive
Scottish Fencing
