The 49th Olympia show in London has been cancelled, as attempts by organizers to run the competition have failed.
“Olympia is Christmas” for many in the United Kingdom and beyond, who have indulged in the wondrous trade fair and enjoyed seeing Father Christmas in a sleigh pulled around the arena by ponies, in addition to watching a variety of exhibitions and great classes.
“Over the last few months, the Olympia organizing team has been looking at multiple scenarios to try to stage the indoor show with the health and welfare of everyone involved at the heart of that decision-making process,” said a statement from those managing the fixture.
“Reluctantly, it has been concluded that it is not possible to run the event in December 2020 given the commercial implications of the government social distancing guidelines and the numerous additional Covid-19 safety requirements.”
Meanwhile, the Jumping Amsterdam show has become the first major Covid cancellation of 2021, though sadly, it already isn’t the last, as questions remain about international travel and having spectators at sporting events, including the Olympics.
And today, Denver’s National Western Stock Show, which includes a horse show, was cancelled because of Covid. Officials said the indoor event couldn’t comply with health and safety guidelines that have been issued to combat Covid, and will be held in 2022.
Paul Riemens, CEO of RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre and chair of Jumping Amsterdam, explained, “We do not want to take any risks whatsoever when it comes to people’s health.
“Moreover, from a financial viewpoint, it is not justifiable to incur expenses at a time when uncertainty rules and measures are continuously adjusted. In order to safeguard the continuity of Jumping Amsterdam in the long term, it is therefore more sensible to miss one year and to focus on the 2022 edition.”
The show, slated to run Jan. 28-31 was scheduled to be among the first major fixtures of next year. With so many 2020 shows postponed until 2021, it’s concerning to think some might not run then, either.
Last week, John Coates, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, said the Games will go ahead “with or without Covid 19.”
Meetings are under way involving officials from the Japanese Government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, with the aim of producing “robust countermeasures” by the conclusion of the year.
“Their job now is to look at all the different countermeasures that will be required for the Games to take place,” John Coates said.
“Some countries will have it under control, some won’t. We’ll have athletes therefore coming from places where it’s under control and some where it is not. There’s 206 teams, so there’s a massive task being undertaken on the Japanese side.”
Guidelines are expected to be published in December by the coronavirus countermeasures panel.
Both Tokyo 2020 and the IOC are including spectators in their planning for the rescheduled Games, but have acknowledged holding events without fans is a possibility.
For Tokyo, the “situation is changing almost day by day,” IOC President Thomas Bach said during a press conference after an IOC board meeting.
“The task force has to prepare for different scenarios, not knowing which one will be the environment next year. That will not be easy, but of course, social distancing is under consideration.”
He added, “We are also following very closely the development of rapid testing and vaccinations, because these could also have an effect and facilitate preparations.
“But, it’s just too early to give a concrete answer to what will be the final scenario and the final approach.
“The only thing we can say is, it will be about offering a safe environment for all participants.”