One of the highlights of Richmond’s amateur sporting calendar has been lost to COVID for the second year running.
The highly popular Nations Cup of soccer in July has been cancelled yet again due to the ongoing pandemic.
The tournament’s committee made the announcement on Monday, adding that the decision was in best interests of the players, spectators, officials and the mass of volunteers that make the event tick.
For decades, every third weekend in July is lit up across Richmond’s soccer fields with colour and noise from thousands of amateur players and spectators there to cheer on the nation of their heritage.
The tournament attracts some of the best amateur players from across the province, with age groups from open all the way up to the over-52s.
“As everyone is aware, the public safety concerns surrounding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continue to impact our ability to contemplate team sporting events and public gatherings,” read the tournament committee’s statement.
“As such, for the second consecutive year, we have determined it is in the best interest of players, spectators, volunteers, vendors, and suppliers alike that we cancel the 2021 tournament.
“We are hopeful that we will be able resume this popular local community event next year and thank you all for your patience and understanding as we worked toward making this difficult decision.
“We look forward to making arrangements for the 2022 tournament when circumstances allow.
“In the meantime, our hearts go out to all those who are directly and indirectly affected by this pandemic.”
