Coronavirus: International skating contest in Sheffield to go ahead after Italian team pulls out

An international ice skating contest is to go-ahead in Sheffield as planned this weekend despite fears over coronavirus and an Italian team pulling out of the competition.
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Organisers of the Steel City Trophy have reassured competitors and spectators that the three day competition at iceSheffield will go ahead with increased checks to ensure safety.

The competition is being held for its second year in Sheffield, taking place from Saturday through until Monday and will welcome teams from Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden and all over Great Britain.

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A statement said: “We have of course been monitoring the situation very closely and are following the advice of Public Health England, UK Sport, British Ice Skating and the International Skating Union - all of whom have advised us to continue as planned.

Ice Sheffield is the venue for the tournament.Ice Sheffield is the venue for the tournament.
Ice Sheffield is the venue for the tournament.

“The Crazy Splinters from Italy have withdrawn from the competition, together with one other UK team who have also decided not to travel to Sheffield.

“We have had no other withdrawals, and have already had a team from Australia practicing at the rink. We also know many other teams have already arrived in the UK and have been subjected to the checks in place at the airport.

“We have in place a screening programme, taking temperatures on arrival, and have planned for an isolation room to be set aside. We also have hand washing facilities and doctors on site to assess the skaters, officials and support personnel.

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“In addition, all skaters, coaches, volunteers and chaperones have completed an online survey - this will enable us to highlight anyone who may be a risk before they arrive and pay particular attention to taking their temperature and monitoring them.

Ice Sheffield is hosting the skating contest this weekend.Ice Sheffield is hosting the skating contest this weekend.
Ice Sheffield is hosting the skating contest this weekend.

“We are following all the current guidelines of our governing bodies, and in fact are working above and beyond current government requirements, which state that public events should go ahead as planned. As a 'not for profit' club organising a worldwide event, run by volunteers, I'm sure you can imagine the additional work, pressure and cost that this unfortunate situation has placed on us - our prime concern is the safety of everyone attending.”