Scottish schools' ski race series cancelled due to Covid
The Scottish Schools ski racing series which always draws a strong entry of pupils from Badenoch and Strathspey has been cancelled for this season due to the Covid pandemic.
Organisers of the SSSA (Scottish Schools Snowsports Association) 2021 Alpine Series confirmed the cancellation yesterday of the primary school and high school competitions.
A SSSA spokesperson said: "Given the current situation with coronavirus and the recent extension of national lockdown, it will come as no surprise to receive confirmation that the SSSA committee has finally decided to abandon all plans to run the 2021 SSSA Alpine Series of schools ski races.
"We understand this will be a disappointing announcement for many but with facilities currently closed and pupils still out of school, we have concluded that there is too much uncertainty ahead to continue with plans.
"We hope that everyone will salvage some opportunity to enjoy snowsports this season.
"We wish everyone good health, an early return to school and hopefully more normality for the 2021/22 academic year."
The annual Alpine race series is the jewel in the crown of the SSSA year with qualifying races and championship finals held at mountain ski centres around Scotland.
The event comprises five regional primary and secondary school qualifying ski races held at Cairngorm, the Lecht, Nevis, Glencoe and Glenshee.
These are timed slalom or giant slalom races in real alpine conditions, where winners from each regional event can then progress onto the SSSA Alpine Championship Finals where the best school boys and school girls vie for the titles.
The finals had been due to be held in early March at Glenshee.
The qualifiers for both primary schools and secondary school pupils had been to take place tomorrow and Thursday at Cairngorm Mountain and the Lecht with back-up dates for the end of February.
