November 16, 2020

To all YMCA Short Course National Championship and YMCA Long Course National Championship coaches, athletes, and families:

As the COVID-19 crisis evolves, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) remains focused on supporting YMCAs through the pandemic and ensuring the health and safety of our Y communities.

Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to impact sports and athletic activities at all levels across the country, including college and professional team events. In light of the continued and unpredictable risk posed by the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Y-USA has made the difficult decision to cancel all national competitive sporting events for 2021, which includes the YMCA Short Course and Long Course National Championships.

We recognize that this is the second time we are sharing what is very disappointing news for the athletes, teams and families who were hopeful that the YMCA Short Course National Championship would be held next year. However, Y-USA made this decision weighing several factors, including the continued increase in COVID cases nationally, the ever-evolving state and local guidelines and restrictions, the widespread availability of a vaccine or other treatments and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At this time, we are not in a position to know if we can guarantee the safety and well-being of participants, coaches, spectators and staff at our national sporting events in 2021. We will share updates on 2022 national events as they become available.

We applaud the hard work and dedication of the many athletes especially those who would compete for the last time at this level -- and the hours of preparation from our dedicated national event planning committee volunteers.

If you have any additional question about national events please email StrategicEventsEngagement@ymca.net

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to manage through these unprecedented times.

Sincerely,

YMCA of the USA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 2021 AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Are all 2021 Y-USA events canceled?

All 2021 national competitive events are canceled (gymnastics championship, aquatics competitions, National Judicial Competition and Youth Governors Conference). Y-USA will share more information about plans for other 2021 national events (e.g., conferences, trainings, YPN meetings) in December.

How will youth athletes and coaches learn of event cancellations?

Y-USA has developed a communication schedule and messaging for the cancellation announcements. Communications were issued today to all key stakeholders for all competitive events, including coaches, athletes, families; housing bureaus, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVBs), and hotel properties. Y-USA also will notify sponsors, vendors and event sanctioning organizations. Please do not contact hotels, venues or CVBs. Y-USA will manage communications to all third parties related to event cancellations.

I made a hotel reservation already for a national competitive event. What should I do?

Please call the hotel directly for any matters related to a personal reservation.

When will 2022 event details and locations be announced?

Y-USA will share details on 2022 events as soon as is feasible based on the status of the pandemic.

Can my YMCA still host local swim meets?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent measures necessary to preserve the health and safety of everyone involved in YMCA swimming, local meets and YMCA sanctioned meets can be held provided you are in compliance with local/ state regulatory codes and health authorities guidelines and recommendations.

Whom can I contact with questions about national events?

Please email StrategicEventsEngagement@ymca.net.