The Chronicle

ON THE SIDELINE

Hockey and tennis postponed amid virus fears

- SEAN TEUMA & JASON GIBBS

THE COVID-19 pandemic has forced the postponeme­nt of more sports, with the Toowoomba Hockey and Tennis associatio­ns suspending play with immediate effect.

Included among the cancelled tennis fixtures is the Easter Gold Cup - the first time the prestigiou­s tournament has been cancelled since World War II for reasons other than rain.

HOCKEY

The decision comes four rounds into the Iron Jack Challenge and two weeks into the A1 women’s season.

The THA posted in a statement that all competitio­ns, including local and representa­tive training, are suspended until at least April 30.

THA president Eddie Schasser said it was a decision that had to be made in putting the welfare of participan­ts and their families as the main priority.

“The decision was made by the board that we would suspend hockey until April 30 with a view of restarting on May 2,” Scahsser said.

“We will be monitoring the issue to see if there are any changes, but the board will revisit the situation on April 14 to

jason.gibbs@thechronic­le.com.au

THE uncertaint­y of the Cornonavir­us pandemic will pose many a challenge to the Darling Downs sports community.

Many competitio­ns have suspended play indefinite­ly and others have postponed the scheduled starts of their seasons.

It also poses some unique problems from a journalism perspectiv­e for The Chronicle sports team.

There is however plenty of opportunit­y as well.

We’re ready to turn the spotlight on to our region’s volunteers, coaches and officials.

The region’s sporting fields and gyms might not be seeing action for some time, but that doesn’t mean we can’t highlight the passion of sports volunteers, officials and coaches.

If you have a volunteer, life member, coach or official involved at any level of sport whose story you’d love to share let us know.

We also want to speak to any individual athletes who are training for major competitio­ns or championsh­ips.

 ??  ?? OUT OF ACTION: Play has been suspended at Clyde Park, with a view to returning in May pending changing circumstan­ces.
OUT OF ACTION: Play has been suspended at Clyde Park, with a view to returning in May pending changing circumstan­ces.
 ??  ?? NOMINATE NOW: The Chronicle is turning the spotlight on volunteers – send us your nomination­s today.
NOMINATE NOW: The Chronicle is turning the spotlight on volunteers – send us your nomination­s today.

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