FISU World University Ski Orienteering Championship cancelled

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The FISU World University Ski Orienteering Championship, slated to be held in Rovaniemi, Finland, has been cancelled by the Finnish government, as a result of precautions being undertaken due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Championship was to be held from 23-27 March 2020.

A statement received from the local organising committee read: “Based on the developments of the last couple of days, the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the notification from the Finnish government, the championship must be cancelled. All main stakeholders including the Finnish Olympic Committee and the Finnish Orienteering Federation share this view.”

The Finnish government has cancelled all events involving more than 500 people, from now until the end of May 2020. 

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) extends its sympathies to the athletes that had been expecting to participate. FISU also remains deeply grateful to the Finnish Student Sports Federation for its work in preparing for the event.

FISU will continue closely monitor the pandemic, and related restrictions, following government guidance in relation to all its events. FISU has informed its members of this development and will communicate regularly on this issue in the coming weeks. The safety and wellbeing of all members, athletes, officials and staff is of utmost importance and we will inform all of FISU’s decisions in this challenging time.