News
Statement on the latest proposed date for a return to adult outdoor sport
01/04/2021 00:00, In Blog /
Following the most recent Welsh Government announcement regarding the timetable for unlocking of COVID-19 restrictions in Wales, Welsh Athletics feels compelled to make the following statement on behalf of our community:
Welsh Athletics is disappointed that despite the well-proven benefits to mental and physical wellbeing that sport and exercise provides, that the date for return of activities for those aged 18+ has been delayed further.
Albeit we have constantly advocated and supported a cautious approach to the easing of restrictions, the positive trends in respect to the spread of COVID across Wales should now provide an opportunity for a wider return for sport and organised activities. Our sport is predominantly an outside activity that can be delivered in a socially distanced way – with all available evidence suggesting that it is has extremely low risk of spreading the COVID virus. To delay the return of activities that have proven to be safe whilst enabling other activities that do not fit into the same category seems illogical.
Our clubs and groups provide a support network for many thousands of athletes of all backgrounds and abilities across Wales. These groups have supported many thousands of individuals to start their physical activity journey.
Sport will play a key role in supporting the physical and mental health of the nation as we move beyond COVID – the sooner we can get organised group activities for those aged above 18 the better.
Welsh Athletics is calling on the Welsh Government to review its return plan, and to bring forward the date that group activities can re-start.
James Williams, CEO
- Our full range of guidance on how the athletics community can return is available here.