SIOUX FALLS – The National Scholastic Athletic Foundation has announced that its 2020 Outdoor Nationals Track & Field Meet, which had been scheduled for July 30-August 2 at Howard Wood Stadium in Sioux Falls, has been cancelled. The continuing threat of COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the event, which had originally been scheduled for North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. It had been tentatively moved to Sioux Falls on conditions that protocols could be implemented to assure the safety of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators. NSAF medical director Rob Jones said assurance was needed that athletes, coaches and officials would be able to have two COVID-19 tests within seven days before their last day of competition. When that could not be given, the NSAF decided to cancel the event.
NSAF Executive Director Jim Spier said in a press release, “The NSAF Board recognizes and applauds the incredible commitment and effort that the athletes, coaches, support staffs, and their families dedicate to our sport and becoming everything they can be in and through track and field. And it is heartbreaking that we will not be able to reward them by hosting the national outdoor championships this year.”
