One of South Dakota’s most prestigious sporting events has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Howard Wood Dakota Relays were to take place May 1-2, but the Board of Directors of the track and field event on Wednesday decided to shut it down a day after Gov. Kristi’s Noem’s announcement of school closure in throughout the state through May 1.
Because of the school closure, all high school spring sports were cancelled through that date, and all collegiate competition for the entire spring had already been cancelled.
Over 3,000 athletes compete in the event, held annually at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
“We share in the disappointment and heartbreak of our student-athletes that will be unable to compete in 2020,” said relays board president Bill O’Connor in a media release.
“However, the health and well-being of our participants, volunteers and spectators remains our top priority during these unprecedented times. We wish you good health and look forward to seeing you next year on April 30th – May 1st, 2021.
