Daylesford Gift organisers will meet later this month to discuss whether the Run For Willow meeting goes ahead in its scheduled timeslot in January. Adrian Tinetti, of Cricket Willow, said they were not yet at a point where a decision could be made. He said the continued uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions made the process difficult. Tinetti said while having spectators would be preferred, he had concerns about the pressures that would be placed on the meeting's small band of volunteers ensuring protocols were met. The Daylesford Gift is contested at Shepherds Flat on the first Sunday after new year's day. The Maryborough Gift and Highland Gathering held on January 1 has already be called off. Victorian Athletic League has cancelled all meetings before January. However, the VAL remains hopeful of having a "full" season of competition and has been planning alternatives depending on what direction state government restrictions might take. The VAL stated last month: "This is a difficult task and there are many factors to consider including numbers permitted at gatherings, starting the season late, venue availability, scheduling with other sports, municipal council restrictions and prizemoney." The Warrnambool Gift is among events to have already stated that despite losing its early season date, it continues to plan for a meeting in 2020-21. The two-day Ballarat Gift is traditionally in February.
WAITING: No decision has yet been made when and if the Run For Willow athletics meeting goes ahead in the new year.
Daylesford Gift organisers will meet later this month to discuss whether the Run For Willow meeting goes ahead in its scheduled timeslot in January.
Adrian Tinetti, of Cricket Willow, said they were not yet at a point where a decision could be made.
He said the continued uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions made the process difficult.
Tinetti said while having spectators would be preferred, he had concerns about the pressures that would be placed on the meeting's small band of volunteers ensuring protocols were met.
The Daylesford Gift is contested at Shepherds Flat on the first Sunday after new year's day.
The Maryborough Gift and Highland Gathering held on January 1 has already be called off.
Victorian Athletic League has cancelled all meetings before January.
However, the VAL remains hopeful of having a "full" season of competition and has been planning alternatives depending on what direction state government restrictions might take.
The VAL stated last month: "This is a difficult task and there are many factors to consider including numbers permitted at gatherings, starting the season late, venue availability, scheduling with other sports, municipal council restrictions and prizemoney."
The Warrnambool Gift is among events to have already stated that despite losing its early season date, it continues to plan for a meeting in 2020-21.
The two-day Ballarat Gift is traditionally in February.
