Christmas Cracker Update – next competition cancelled in a row

Update: December 15, 2021

Like all our clubs, athletes, and supporters we have been excited to get back to competition this season. Keeping our athletes and volunteers safe, whilst providing a fun environment are of the upmost importance to us.

It is with a heavy heart that we have had to cancel this years’ Christmas Cracker (Sunday 19th December). This decision was not taken lightly as we know how disappointed our young swimmers will be. Here are some of the considerations that led to this decision:

  • Current COVID-19 outlook – Given the current COVID-19 case numbers, emergence of a new variant and public health guidelines we want to minimise the risk to all our members, particularly so close to Christmas.

 

  • Age profile of athletes – We recently decided to not allow spectators attend the Irish Short Course Championships to minimise risk to athletes and support personnel. Given the age profile of the athletes entered in the Christmas Cracker (7-12 years) we don’t believe it is feasible to exclude parents and spectators attending.

 

  • Social distancing – The entries for the Christmas Cracker Gala, in addition to expected number of volunteers, parents and supporters make social distancing more challenging to maintain. We want all in attendance to feel comfortable and safe throughout the event which we don’t believe can be guaranteed at this time.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding, we do hope to see all our young swimmers in early 2022. Clubs will receive refunds shortly for this event.