The infection is growing in many countries, so the Government has extended all the restrictions and safety measures currently in force
Banned sporting events
At this time there is still a nationwide ban on sporting events, with the exception of those considered of interest by the Italian National Olympic Committee and Sports Federations, such as the Football and Basketball Championships, Tennis tournaments and Formula 1 Grand Prix, in which athletes are subject to strict safety measures.
But even in these cases, as shown by recent events, the risk of contagion is not zero. All the more reason a recreational fitness event, attended by hundreds of amateur competitors from all over the world, is classified as high risk even if the strictest safety protocols are enforced.
Therefore, despite the exceptions provided by some Italian regions, sports and health authorities do not authorize us to run in person the final phase of the Italian Showdown during the month of September.
The forecasts of the experts we are working with say that the situation will not change until the end of the year, so there is no reason to postpone the decision any further. We waited until the last possible moment and explored every option but by now it is clear that it would not be responsible to insist on wanting to deliver the event live: the only way to safely finish the final phase of the Italian Showdown is to do it online.
On line final phase
The final phase of the 2020 Italian Showdown will take place online with the same format of the qualification phase.
- The finalists who made the cut of the qualification phase will have to perform 3 workouts in their gyms and film them.
- The window for scores and videos submission will be 3 days, from 25 to 27 September, as originally planned for the finals.
- Final workouts will be announced at least 48 hours in advance of the scores and videos submission window.
Vouchers and tickets
As anticipated in recent days, we have worked with our partners to find a way to give back to those who have not been able to enjoy the live competition: thanks to a great economic effort from the organization, all the registrants of this year will be awarded a voucher valid for the next season. As soon as the 2021 calendar is defined, we will communicate the registration procedures.
As required by Law n.77 of 2020 (so-called “Relaunch Decree”), spectator tickets are reimbursed via vouchers to attend any event of the same organizer: spectator tickets already purchased remain valid for the 2021 edition of the Italian Showdown. As soon as the 2021 calendar is defined, we will communicate how to use the tickets.