By Owen Morgan
The suspension of all athletics activity in Wales has been extended until June 19, but the sport’s governing body is doing all it can to keep athletes active and engaged.
The decision to extend has been taken in line with the latest Welsh Government advice and to offer clarity to athletes.
In addition, the current suspension of athletics competition in Wales until the end of June remains in place.
The next statement from the Welsh Government is due on the May 29, after which Welsh Athletics will review the situation and make whatever decisions necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of athletes.
However, Welsh Athletics is doing all it can to keep athletes as motivated and involved as possible during the restrictions with a series of virtual challenges and webinars.
Welsh Athletics interim chief executive James Williams said: “We have been working hard with Sport Wales, British Athletics, the other home country athletics federations and other partners to plan and try to keep the sport as active as possible during these unprecedented times.
“With the next Welsh Government update not scheduled until the end of May, we needed to provide clarity for our clubs and coaches and enable them to plan accordingly.
“We will continue to engage in dialogue with Sport Wales and continue to monitor the guidance from Welsh Government as it’s becomes available.
“We continue to encourage all our members to continue to engage in exercise to maintain physical and mental wellbeing, but to ensure that this is done in line with Welsh Government guidelines.
“As we know, the sport of athletics is diverse, and we want to keep in touch with as many of you as possible.
“As a result, we will be launching a weekly regional webinar that enables any member of the athletics community in Wales to engage directly with Welsh Athletics staff.
“This will ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to hear and contribute directly to how the sport can be re-started.”
Further information on the weekly webinars, along with details of the governing body’s virtual events – including a virtual mile challenge over the forthcoming Bank Holiday – are available on the Welsh Athletics website, along with all the latest information and guidance on social distances and exercising.