In response to the First Minister’s announcement today which stated that the recommencement of ‘organised sport’ for adults is to be put back from 22 April to 3 May, Canoe Wales has been working hard to understand the rationale for this change.
Alistair Dickson, Chief Executive Officer of Canoe Wales has said:
“We are very surprised to see the date for organised sport to be put back to 3 May from 22 April, particularly considering the improving health situation and the fact other higher risk activities seem to have been prioritised. We are very much aware of the impact that this will have on clubs and commercial providers who will undoubtedly be very frustrated by the change and who will have been planning to open towards the end of April. We, alongside the Welsh Sports Association, will be working hard to remind Welsh Government of the impact this will have on our sector and to urge them to reconsider.”
Victoria Ward, Chief Executive Officer of the Welsh Sport Association has said:
“We are hugely disappointed at the news about Wales’ path out of lockdown, we really wanted to see Welsh Government emphasise the importance of physical activity as we unlock society. Whilst a timetable for the reopening of sport and leisure allows up to put in place firms plans, the announced dates are later than we and our colleagues had hoped and anticipated. Our sector has consistently proved our ability to adapt and respond to the pandemic and put in place the measures required to operate safely and this doesn’t seem to have been reflected in the news today. We are perplexed at the decision made by the Welsh Government and we would urge them to reconsider the timetable.”
Canoe Wales will be working with the Welsh Sports Association to advocate for a reconsideration of the timetable for outdoor sports.
In the meantime, we suggest clubs and providers carefully consider the current guidance which provides opportunities for clubs and providers to run activity within the 6 person/2 household limit for adults and organised activity (with no set limits) for under 18’s.
To find out more, please have a read of our latest COVID-19 guidance.
If you are considering running activity for U18’s, please also carefully read through the more detailed Government’s Organised Children’s Activity: FAQs.
