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LEN ‘fully understands’ reasons to cancel European Masters Championships

European governing body LEN says it ‘fully understands’ the reasons to cancel the 2021 European Masters Championships due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event had been postponed in 2020 and rearranged for May and June in Budapest.

Open water swimming was due to kick off the championships between on 22 and 23 May, water polo matches held from 24-29 May, swimming taking place between 26-31 May, with the diving and artistic swimming competitions held from 2 to 6 June.

However, LEN has now confirmed the championships have been cancelled.

A statement on its website read: “We share with all Aquatic Community the official decision regarding the 2021 European Masters Championships in Budapest.

“The Local Organising Committee (LOC), together with Hungarian authorities, were evaluating how to proceed with aforementioned event, which had also been postponed from 2020.

“Unfortunately, after careful consideration of all possibilities, due to the current pandemic situation and all foreseen issues linked to a mass-participation event in the scale of the Masters championships, the LOC took the painful decision to cancel the event.

“As they informed us, the OC, the Hungarian Government and the relevant authorities see it impossible to create and manage a Covid-secure racing environment for several thousand athletes, mostly individuals.

“LEN could take only note of this decision and fully understands the reasons behind it.”

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