Athletics Victoria (AV) advises that in the light of the rapid development in recent days of with respect to the coronavirus pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 Flack Advisory Group Victorian Masters Track and Field Championships due to take place this weekend at Bendigo.
The decision has been made in consultation with Victorian Masters Athletics (VMA) and Athletics Bendigo, and has not been made lightly.
AV, VMA and Athletics Bendigo have made this decision in the interests of the health and safety of our athletes, officials, volunteers, staff and general public. This is in line with the approach other sports and public events here in Australia and around the world have taken with regards to mass gatherings in past days.
While other sports can conduct their competitions in the absence of crowds, athletic events require large numbers of officials and volunteers to proceed. The masters event also sees many age groups compete that are in the susceptible age range of the coronavirus, and therefore we are not willing to risk the safety of these athletes.
A full refund of entry fees will be processed for athletes, but unfortunately due to AV, VMA and Athletics Bendigo being not-for-profit organisations we are unable to reimburse travel or accommodation costs. It is up to the individual to take action in regard to these costs.