(ATR) The ISU figure skating world championships scheduled to begin next week in Tokyo will not take place due to the earthquake that has ravaged northeast Japan.
International Skating Union President Ottavio Cinquanta issued a statement Monday at the federation website confirming the cancellation of the event, set for March 21 to 27. But the possibility of re-scheduling remains, says the ISU chief.
"Taking into account the continued critical developments in Japan, the ISU’s primary concern for the safety of all participants, spectators and members of concerned entities as well as the travel advisories from many governments to avoid travel to Japan until the situation is settled, the ISU in consultation and agreement with the Japan Skating Federation (JSF) and in line with the advise [sic]of the Japanese authorities, has concluded that the staging of the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2011 scheduled to be held on March 21-27, 2011 is not possible and the Championships will not be held during that time," says the statement.
"The postponement of the Event or alternatively the final cancellation is under evaluation," says the ISU.
Also on hold is the ISU Figure Skating World Team Trophy, scheduled for Yokohama on April14 to 17.
The Tokyo championships were to be held at the Yoyogi Gymnasium, one of several venues built for the 1964 Olympics still in use today. Around the Rings is told that none of those venues suffered earthquake damage.
But while Tokyo did not sustain damage from March 11 quake, aftershocks continue and there are predictions that a large magnitude aftershock could be imminent somewhere in Japan.
Rolling blackouts are a possibility for Tokyo as a result of the nuclear plant emergency that has ensued since the quake.
The U.S. State Department is advising against non-essential travel to Japan for now.
The ISU says it is waiting for guidance from Japanese authorities on whether the skating championships can be held.
"It is understood that a postponement of the above-mentioned World Championships as well as the holding of the ISU World Team Trophy is subject to the confirmation by the competent Japanese authorities that the situation is back to normal conditions allowing the safe conduct of major ISU sports Events in the Tokyo area," says the ISU.
Written by Ed Hula.
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