Miyakojima Triathlon cancelled due to concerns over coronavirus
Swimmers diving into the water at the start of last year’s triathlon. April 14, 2019 at the Yonaha Maehama Beach in Miyakojima
March 2, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Miyakojima – The “36th All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima” (Hosted by Miyakojima City and the Ryukyu Shimpo Co. Ltd.) scheduled for April 19 was cancelled by the event’s executive committee at a special meeting held at the JTA Dome Miyakojima March 2, due to concerns over the effect the coronavirus could have on the event. Miyakojima mayor Toshihito Shimoji, who leads the executive committee, commented, “It is truly unfortunate. We never thought the event would come to an end at this moment, but our primary concern is the health and safety of the athletes and our citizens.”
According to the executive committee, this is the first time the triathlon has been cancelled. The management office will return the entrance fees to all of the participants, and announced that they would grant a special exception to the 65-year age limit for participants who planned on participating this year but will cross that limit next year. Approximately 22 million yen has already been spent on preparations for the event, and hereafter the Miyakojima city council will meet to discuss plans for making up for the lost revenue.
At a special committee comprising medical personnel and healthcare officials on February 27, where they voiced concerns such as “The source of the infection is difficult to specify,” and “Even if the virus is confirmed, there is only one medical facility on the island capable of accepting patients, which is insufficient,” and reaffirmed that the priority should be the health and safety of the athletes and local volunteers. For any questions about the triathlon, please contact the Miyakojima Triathlon executive committee at (Tel.) 0980 (73) 1046.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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