NI & Ulster Team Opportunities Update

26 June 2020

NI & Ulster Team Opportunities Update

It is with regret that Athletics NI is announcing the cancellation of all scheduled team competitions for the 2020 Summer season.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Athletics NI in conjunction with Ulster Athletics will no longer be able to take teams to the following targeted competitions due to their cancellation or likely cancellation as well as logistical travel issues.

  • Manchester International
  • U23 EAP International
  • England Combined Events
  • Welsh U20 International
  • England U15 / U17 Age Group Championships

We understand the disappointment that many athletes, coaches and parents will be feeling in these times. We will now focus on providing local competition opportunities including open meetings and championships. We are in touch with the other Home Countries and their plans and will make athletes and coaches aware of any event specific competition opportunities that are available such as BMC, Area Championships or event group competitions. We will also direct athletes to Athletics Ireland’s championships when these have been confirmed.

Director of Coaching and Athlete Development, Jackie Newton, said “We have been in constant dialogue with the providers of competitions to which we send Northern Ireland & Ulster Teams in the hope that we would be able to keep them on the calendar during 2020. There is, however, still too much doubt on where we will be with regards to travel restrictions, accommodation availability, financial capability and social distancing regulations. We are very disappointed that we need to take the decision to cancel these international opportunities but are working on new competition formats with the intention of giving athletes meaningful competition in this short season.”