Having considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing uncertainty in relation to international travel restrictions, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Oceania Masters Athletics Championships regret to advise that the Norfolk Island Championships postponed from January 2021 and proposed for January 2022 have been CANCELLED.

The Chair of the LOC and member of the Oceania Masters Athletics Council, Tim Rogers, advised that the LOC had left the decision on cancellation as late as it could in the hope that there would be greater certainty around travel and the ability for as many Member Federations from across the Oceania region to participate as possible.

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The reality is that the current situation relating to inbound travel into Norfolk Island is not improving to the degree that we had hoped by now, and this is not expected to improve for the remainder of 2021. The Covid vaccine rollout is not accelerating border openings with the speed we had anticipated and international travel is highly unlikely for the remainder of 2021.

The LOC has worked through the challenges of the original postponement and continued to operate collaboratively in trying times over an extended period. I’ll be forever grateful for the enthusiasm and professionalism this LOC has brought to their work over this prolonged period.

As Chair, the reality that the work and commitment shown by each member of the LOC, is now unable to be showcased for all to see compounds the sadness of this recent decision.

The LOC is grateful for the support from OMA and OAA during the long process of making this difficult decision. The LOC apologise to all athletes who were anticipating the event on Norfolk Island and appreciate their patience and understanding in this unfortunate outcome.

Tim Rogers

Chair

Local Organising Committee

Oceania Athletics Championships NI2022