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Statement from the PNWORCA Executive Board On COVID-19

April 4, 2020 in News

Special Statement From the PNWORCA Executive Board

To our PNWORCA paddlers and extended family,

As we find ourselves in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, it should come as no surprise that our current paddling season is both in flux and at risk of not moving forward as we all would have hoped.  We understand that there is an undeniable urge to paddle and come together to share experiences with each other and spend time on the water as a family. Unfortunately, the reality of our current situation prohibits us from enjoying paddling as we are used to. 

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the PNWORCA Executive Board is making the following recommendations:

  • We must strictly adhere to current federal, state and local laws and recommendations regarding public gatherings when considering club practices and PNWORCA sanctioned races.
  • If during the 2020 paddling season new ordinances are in place which allow for gatherings large enough to host races, the PNWORCA Executive Board will support the individual decision of each Race Director on whether or not to host their race.
  • If the Executive Board is required to make a decision impacting the PNWORCA community, we will always act in the best interest of the health and safety of our paddling family. 

More information regarding current state laws and recommendations can be found at the following links:

https://coronavirus.wa.gov

https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19

https://covid19.mt.gov

https://coronavirus.idaho.gov

https://coronavirus.utah.gov

As of May 11th, we have confirmation from Race Directors regarding the following races:

  • Rusty Iron race on April 25th: CANCELLED
  • Race Around the Island race on May 2nd:  CANCELLED
  • Manu Baker Sprint Race on May 16th: CANCELLED
  • Hui Heihei Silverdale Sprints on May 30th: CANCELLED
  • The Gorge Race on July 11th: CANCELLED
  • 2020 IVF World Sprints in Hilo in August: CANCELLED

Please stay healthy and look out for one another by practicing safe, responsible behaviors to help end this current pandemic. Our families will always have priority to us as we work together to overcome this. We will all be back out on the water together in a short time!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any PNWORCA Executive Board member directly.

Stay safe and stay healthy, 
Your PNWORCA Executive Board

Ernie Wong, President
Steve Pietila, Vice President
Jason Zimmermann, Sergeant at Arms
Andy Michels, Treasurer
Kate Goudschaal, Secretary
Tyler Irwin, Race Chair
Sabine Jessel, IVF/USAORCA Representative