18/03/2020
Dear Polo Family,
Due to the development of the Covid-19 virus in the World, many governments and sporting governing bodies are deciding to restrict events in sport now. The organising committee have the regret to inform you we have decided to cancel this year’s London International Canoe Polo Tournament.
We have undertaken this decision for the following reasons:
Our event is held in a public park and with daily changes from the Government and local authorities we have no idea what the next few months will bring and with that uncertainty we need to put Players health and safety first.
· We haven't opened entries yet and we do not want teams to make expensive travel arrangements for an event that may not take place.
· We have to commit to hire the park and equipment in advance of the event, these must be guaranteed with nearly £2000 of non-returnable deposits with balances due prior to the event.
· Countries are shutting their borders and restricting travel, this will make it impossible for our friends from Mainland Europe to attend our tournament.
· In the UK we are currently being advised against non-essential travel.
We have not come to this decision lightly and hope that we will be able to welcome you to the London International Canoe Polo Tournament in the future.
We hope that all our friends and their families take care
Mark Preddy on behalf of Meridian Canoe Club