We have made the difficult decision to postpone the Alta Barents Winter Games in March 2022.
At the same time, we hope and believe that we can carry out the Barents Summer Games in Tromsø 2-4. September 2022. A Barents Summer Games that was to be held in September 2021.
Barents Sports Conference is also postponed until we see that we can meet again.
A joint board of BSC does not see the possibility of arranging the Barents Games already in March 2022 with our current knowledge.
We have consulted with the authorities and partners before the decision is made.
- At present time it is a 10-day quarantine to travel from Russia to Norway, this quarantine rule does not appear to be removed immediately.
- In Russia, the vaccine Sputnik is used which is not currently approved in the EU or Schengen.
- We cannot arrange Barents Games without our Russian friends.
- Neither Norway, Sweden, Finland nor Russia will receive support for this event if not all four countries participate.
We know that the situation can change quickly, but the outlook is too uncertain as of today.
Up to 1500 athletes, coaches, and referees, 3-400 volunteers, as well as guests and partners are involved in the Barents Winter Games.
A lot of work is put into such a large event, both locally where it is to be arranged, and in all four countries. The work that is done is formidable and time consuming.
It is important for us that we are out in good time when we see that the risk is so big for a possible cancellation.
To have a certain kind of predictability in the work that is done, we think it is right to postpone BWG22. The forecasts for the situation in March 2022 are highly uncertain, at the same time we believe that by next summer we are closer to a normal situation where we can be visited by our neighbors and friends in the east, and that we can arrange the Barents Summer Games in Tromsø 2022.
We really want to arrange in 2022 and see that waiting until the autumn is a safer alternative for everyone.
We are terribly sorry on behalf of the city and the sport in Alta, which we have been very much looking forward to arranging together with. We really hope to host the Barents Winter Games in Alta as soon as possible. We will continue to work with Alta and provide feedback as soon as we know more.
Should the situation change in the spring, and it will be possible to travel between all four countries, we want to encourage the sports to arrange Barents matches in the winter sports. We all want the winter sports can get started again. Feel free to contact us if this could be relevant for your sport or club, we want to contribute and help with this.
Should there be any questions or feedback then do not hesitate to contact us.
We hope you can spread this to who it may concern.
We really hope to see you again soon, and we look forward to a fabulous Barents Summer Games 2022 in Tromsø.
Sincerely, Barents Sports Committee
