Singapore Gymnastics (SG) has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation both in Singapore and around the world as it changes hourly. Given the incredible fluidity of the current landscape, SG continues to take advice from the government and SportSG through these difficult times before making any decisions.

In the last week, significant decisions have been made across the world which has seen the strictest travel and quarantine restrictions we have ever seen; making it almost impossible for anyone to travel. We have also been in daily contact with SportSG while staying up to date with all the latest updates from MOH and MOE.

The health and wellbeing of our community of athletes, coaches and judges is our number one priority as we navigate this challenging situation. SG recently postponed the 2020 National Championships that was scheduled to be held in March. Where needed, SG has also made the difficult decision to cancel the travel plans of some of our teams. These decisions were not made lightly.

In the light of the current global travel bans, MOE notification on the 19 March 2020, SportSG recommendations released on 24 March 2020 and the latest notification from MOH late yesterday SG has made the unfortunate, but necessary decisions:

• Cancellation of the 2020 Singapore Open
• No sanctioning of club events until ­30 June 2020

Furthermore, with the postponement of the 2020 Olympics in the last few hours and after further consultation and advice form SportSG,

• Suspension of all training of our National Teams until the 30 April 2020

• National Coaches to develop home programmes for athletes
• National Coaches to remain in constant contact with athletes using the technology we have on hand to maintain motivation and ensure they are continuing the home programme over this period

The SG staff have been on a business continuity plan since 11 February, but with the continued and heightened measures in place, there will only be a skeleton staff in the National Office at any time with most staff now working remotely. We have been able to put in place over the past months remote working procedures for the Team to ensure the efficient operation of our office. Therefore, all our employees can be reached by email as usual and will continue to assist and inform the community in the best possible way.

Singapore Gymnastics acknowledges these new restrictions imposed by the Government and recognises the impact that these will have on our affiliated Clubs, the heartbeat of our community. We want to acknowledge and applaud our clubs who over the past weeks have been proactive with the implementation and adoption of all the MOH requirements and the social distancing measures that have come into play. Their proactiveness in this matter is to be commended.

We support the new guidelines as necessary to help keep Singapore safe. We encourage our clubs to abide by all the guidelines outlined by MOH and SportSG when referring to youth-centric programmes:

• To the tighter safe distancing measures around
• Limiting gatherings to 10 or less (if remained open)

We understand the difficulties this may cause clubs if they are to close for a period. We know if we work together as a united group we can manage these uncertain times.

SG will be looking at ways where we can continue to connect with the community and support our clubs during this time. So, stay tuned and we will keep you updated.

We encourage all of our community to remain vigilant in their daily lives and continue to listen to the relevant government authorities.

Thank you for your understanding and collaboration in these challenging times.

Stay safe.

Singapore Gymnastics