With our announcement of the cancellation of the WGI World Championships, questions about remaining events for the year have naturally arisen. On March 12, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to suspend all other events for the remainder of the 2020 season.
After reviewing the social distancing recommendations of the CDC, WHO, as well as local health officials in the communities hosting these events, we reiterate our priority is, and always has been the health and well-being of all those in our organization.
WGI will offer all groups registered for any impacted event a credit to be used towards any 2021 event entry fee, or a full refund upon request. We ask for patience as we sort out the myriad of details from these decisions announced today.
Every day, as WGI works to bring experiences to young people that will last a lifetime, we are reminded of the power of imagination to break through even the hardest moments. Once again, we undeniably state our commitment to continue our mission to provide a venue for young people to achieve the extraordinary through performance and competition.
We wish everyone continued good health and thank you for your attention and vigilance.
WGI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS STATEMENT
At the direction of Dayton & Montgomery County Public Health, and in consultation with the Ohio Department of Health, and Governor DeWine, WGI Sport of the Arts is canceling the 2020 WGI World Championships for Color Guard, Percussion, and Winds.
The numbers involved in an event of this magnitude urge caution in light of recent national and international health concerns. Over nine days of competition, groups from 41 states and five countries would travel with over 16,000 participants.
While we are deeply saddened to cancel these prestigious events, our priority is, and always has been the health and well-being of all those involved with our organization.
Creating opportunities for young people is the foundation of WGI. The world championships are the culmination of a competitive season and this will mark the first time in 43 years this tradition of excellence will be interrupted by an unprecedented situation.
We are grateful for the support and guidance of Dayton & Montgomery County Public Health as well as Greene, Hamilton, and Campbell counties in arriving at a decision in the best interest of all parties.
Although it’s true the 2020 WGI World Championships will not take place as we hoped, WGI as an organization will continue our mission – to provide a venue for young people to achieve the extraordinary through performance and competition.
Over the coming weeks WGI will be working to untangle the complexities of this situation and we appreciate your patience and understanding. More information on WGI Regionals will be forthcoming.
Regarding Refunds:
Entry fees – WGI will offer all groups registered for the 2020 World Championships a credit to be used towards any 2021 event entry fee, or a full refund issued upon request.
Backside ticket orders – Full refunds will be processed within the next 30 days and/or those invoices will be voided if currently unpaid.
WGI organized practice facilities – Full refunds will be processed within the next 30 days and/or those invoices will be voided if currently unpaid.
All spectator tickets – We will be announcing refund plans within the next 48 hours.
CDC Health Recommendations
The CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures. These measures include:
• Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to COVID-19-related virus.
• Wash your hands and do so frequently especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Use regular soap and water and sing Happy Birthday (to yourself) while you wash. This will take approximately 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available/convenient, use an alcohol-based gel in its place. To be effective, the alcohol content should be 60% or higher.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are displaying symptoms.
• When leaving the restroom, use a paper towel or tissue when reaching for the door handle. Dispose of immediately.
• When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth AND nose with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer with >60% alcohol content. If a tissue is not available, sneeze or cough into a flexed elbow.
• When talking with people, keep some distance. Keep at least one arms distance between you and other people, especially if they are sneezing and/or coughing.
• Eat smart to maintain your strength.
• Sleep is important – plan your schedules accordingly.
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects such as performance equipment, instruments, props, and tarps with sanitizing wipes.
• Avoid handshakes or hugs. Consider a head nod or elbow bump (not a fist bump).
