An email is being circulated by ACT Athletics stating that all athletics activities in ACT have been suspended. Accordingly I am terminating organised speedygeese training until 1 May or later if necessary. Tonight (Thursday) at Stromlo Forest Park is the last session I will organise and attend. Next I will post here a suggested training program which focuses on aerobic conditioning. This is an opportunity for each of us to lay a new foundation for a future when speed and racing can resume.
Here is the notice which is being circulated:
"The Boards of Little Athletics ACT (LAACT) and Athletics ACT (AACT) and the Main Committee of ACT Masters Athletics (ACTMA) are united in suspending all athletics competitions and events during March and April 2020, and strongly recommend others do the same due to concerns around the spread of COVID-19.
"This applies to all athletics competitions in the ACT and surrounding regions, including cross-country, track and field, and road events, as well as organised activities of training groups and large meetings.
"This announcement aligns with the decisions made by both Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia to stop all athletics competition and events until 1 May 2020. These decisions have been supported by the state-based Athletics Associations.
"The community’s health and well-being is our primary concern. In the ACT and region, the athletics community has an obligation to assist in slowing the peak of the pandemic and to minimise the workload of our health care professionals, many of whom are likely colleagues and fellow athletes.
"Little Athletics ACT (LAACT), Athletics ACT (AACT) and ACT Masters Athletics acknowledge the uncertainty of the current situation and the rapidly changing advice as the situation evolves. As such, we continue to monitor, assess the risk to our members, and act accordingly, in response to statements and policies enacted by both Federal and State Health authorities, and national athletics bodies.
"During this time of no competition or events, we encourage athletics clubs in the ACT and surrounds, club members, athletes, coaches and officials to look after themselves by continuing to exercise. The weather in autumn is great. If you are well and practicing social distancing, there is no reason why you can’t get outdoors to exercise or train on the many sporting ovals and reserves in the Bush Capital.
"Where individuals do choose to gather for unorganised or unofficial training, we encourage members to follow the clear advice of keeping groups to a minimum and keeping your distance. If any member is unwell they should not participate in any level of activity with other members of the Athletics family. Please practice appropriate hygiene measures and implement self-exclusion if displaying flu-like symptoms."
Here is the notice which is being circulated:
"The Boards of Little Athletics ACT (LAACT) and Athletics ACT (AACT) and the Main Committee of ACT Masters Athletics (ACTMA) are united in suspending all athletics competitions and events during March and April 2020, and strongly recommend others do the same due to concerns around the spread of COVID-19.
"This applies to all athletics competitions in the ACT and surrounding regions, including cross-country, track and field, and road events, as well as organised activities of training groups and large meetings.
"This announcement aligns with the decisions made by both Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia to stop all athletics competition and events until 1 May 2020. These decisions have been supported by the state-based Athletics Associations.
"The community’s health and well-being is our primary concern. In the ACT and region, the athletics community has an obligation to assist in slowing the peak of the pandemic and to minimise the workload of our health care professionals, many of whom are likely colleagues and fellow athletes.
"Little Athletics ACT (LAACT), Athletics ACT (AACT) and ACT Masters Athletics acknowledge the uncertainty of the current situation and the rapidly changing advice as the situation evolves. As such, we continue to monitor, assess the risk to our members, and act accordingly, in response to statements and policies enacted by both Federal and State Health authorities, and national athletics bodies.
"During this time of no competition or events, we encourage athletics clubs in the ACT and surrounds, club members, athletes, coaches and officials to look after themselves by continuing to exercise. The weather in autumn is great. If you are well and practicing social distancing, there is no reason why you can’t get outdoors to exercise or train on the many sporting ovals and reserves in the Bush Capital.
"Where individuals do choose to gather for unorganised or unofficial training, we encourage members to follow the clear advice of keeping groups to a minimum and keeping your distance. If any member is unwell they should not participate in any level of activity with other members of the Athletics family. Please practice appropriate hygiene measures and implement self-exclusion if displaying flu-like symptoms."
