The IFBB Pro League is the latest to succumb to concerns about the coronavirus. They have now announced that all pro and NPC bodybuilding events will be canceled until May.
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been causing problems across the entire sports world. From the Arnold Sports Festival being severely altered, to the NBA shutting down it’s season, things have taken drastic turns. In fact, several states that are largely affected by the illness have even put bans on public gatherings of 50 or more people, shutting down a ton of public establishments.
Well as it turns out, the IFBB Pro League is the latest group to make changes due to this disease. According to a statement from IFBB Pro League President Jim Manion, there will be no Pro or NPC bodybuilding contests held in the United States, until at least May 10th.
“With the ever changing information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the United States Government decisions being made in the USA, we will be CANCELING ALL scheduled NPC and IFBB Professional League contests in the United States beginning today, Monday, March 16, 2020 through Sunday, May 10, 2020,” the statement read. “Some of these events will be postponed until a later date while some will just resume in 2021. Please look to the individual promoter’s pages for updated information about specific shows.
“We are very disappointed to have to cancel these events but as always, the health and safety of our athletes, officials and fans is our top priority. The NPC and IFBB Professional League are focused daily on updates from the World Health Organization as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning COVID-19. As a reminder, the CDC has encouraged traditional precautionary prevention measures and guidelines.
“We will continue to monitor the Coronavirus information on a daily basis.
“AT THIS TIME we are preparing for ALL NPC and IFBB Professional League contests in the United States after May 10, 2020, to go on as originally scheduled. Nothing would make us happier than seeing all of you back on stage showing off all of your hard work. However we will continually monitor the daily information made available by the United States Government, State and Local Governments and the World Health Organization as well as the Centers for Disease Control for each promoter’s city and state if there are to be changes or further postponements.”
Obviously this is extremely disappointing for fans and athletes alike. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the IFBB Pro League is making the tough, but right decision here. Public safety goes beyond the desire to keep these events going.
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