In compliance with national lockdown regulations, the Varsity Sports Executive Committee officially suspended all Varsity Sports sporting events for the remainder of the year, on 4 May.
The committee’s decision, made in consultation with their partners, to postpone all sporting action is temporary, it was stated in a Varsity Sports statement.
Sports tournaments were not cancelled, but merely suspended, reiterated Marisa Calvert, head of public relations for Varsity Sports.
“It is, however, unlikely that any sports will be allowed for the rest of the year, but we have to take heed from [the] government and adhere to all regulations that they have put in place,” Calvert told MatieMedia.
Athletes and coaches alike are disappointed in the short-lived sporting season. PHOTO: Facebook/Varsity Sports
In the statement, Francois Pienaar, Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) CEO, said the decision was made to ensure the safety of their athletes and spectators. ASEM is the multimedia rights holder for Varsity Sports.
“We will, however, remain ready to host certain tournaments should government regulations change regarding the hosting of sport events and academic calendars allow for tournaments to take place,” said Pienaar, in the statement.
Varsity Hockey was originally suspended, with the suspension set to lift in August this year, said Reginald Smith, senior sports manager of Maties Hockey.
According to Smith, the announcement was a major disappointment to all the Maties Sports members.
“Our players work hard in their preparation for these events. They accepted the decision, as they are aware that the crisis we face is a global crisis and is affecting global sports, so it’s just not hockey,” Smith said.
Athletes are hopeful to return to the field/court soon. PHOTO: Facebook/VarsitySports
Maties Women’s basketball player, Sarah Kropf, said she anticipated a suspension. She maintains a positive attitude.
“We continued with a home programme to keep our fitness levels up to be prepared for a possible return to the game [sic],” Kropf said.
Fitness regimes are still being maintained at home, said Sarah Kropf, Maties Women’s basketball player. PHOTO: Facebook/Maties Sports
Pienaar said ASEM will work with their commercial partners, University Sports of South Africa and University Sports Company, to develop the best possible calendar for 2021.