The list of public schools playing winter sports gets smaller
by Andy Hilton, recruit757
Mark Norfolk and Suffolk Public Schools off the list of school systems allowing their students to participate in sports for the near future.
On Thursday morning, NPS Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Kenita B. Matthews released a statement:
“After careful review of current health conditions and metrics within Norfolk and our region, the administration has made the difficult decision to cancel winter sports for the 2020-2021 season. The Scholastic Bowl, in which students are competing virtually, will continue. As always, the health and safety of our students and staff continue to be our top priority. Please visit npsk12.com for the most up-to-date information regarding instructional plans and athletics during this time.”
Williamsburg-James City County Schools canceled winter sports back in November. Earlier this week, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News Public Schools cancelled their fall sports seasons.
Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent John Gordon announced the cancellation for their school system.
“For the last four weeks, we have reviewed health metrics weekly with the hope of continuing our winter sports and activities so that our students can participate in the sports and activities they love,” Gordon said in a release. “However, the health and safety of our students and staff is the greatest priority. Several school divisions in our region have recently canceled their winter sports seasons as their health metrics also have spiked into the ‘red’ or very high-risk category. Based on this information, Suffolk Public Schools will cancel the Winter Sports Season for the 2020-2021 school year.”
These announcements leave Bay Rivers Schools in York County and Poquoson, Beach District schools, and Gloucester of the Peninsula District as the only teams competing in Winter Sports at the High School level.
Last week, Virginia Beach announced a modified structure for their winter sports programs. Beach District schools may only participate against other Beach District teams. All games in the Beach District will be played with no spectators.
Virginia Beach plans to intently monitor their athletes for participation on teams and in leagues that may increase any athlete’s exposure to COVID-19.
“While student-athletes may participate with eligible programs, participation in out-of-town competitions and camps may jeopardize their continued participation in Beach District sports,” the official statement read.
– Andy Hilton
