Coronavirus: WGI World Championships in Dayton cancelled

Miamisburg High School World Guard performs at the Winter Guard International competition at UD Arena on Thursday morning.  More than 12,000 participants from 350 winter guards and 250 percussion lines are competing at regional venues over the next two weeks  including the Nutter Center, Hobart Arena, Cintas Center at Xavier University and BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University.  This is the 33rd year the competition has been in Dayton.     TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Miamisburg High School World Guard performs at the Winter Guard International competition at UD Arena on Thursday morning. More than 12,000 participants from 350 winter guards and 250 percussion lines are competing at regional venues over the next two weeks including the Nutter Center, Hobart Arena, Cintas Center at Xavier University and BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University. This is the 33rd year the competition has been in Dayton. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

WGI Sport of the Arts has cancelled the World Championships scheduled for Dayton and surrounding communities in April amid the coronavirus concerns.

The announcement was made Wednesday at the guidance of Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County.

Over 16,000 participants from 41 states and five countries were expected to travel to Dayton for the event in early April.

“While we are deeply saddened to cancel these prestigious events, our priority is, and always has been the health and well-being of all those involved with our organization,” said WGI CEO Ron Nankervis.  “Creating opportunities for young people is the foundation of WGI. The world championships are the culmination of a competitive season and this will mark the first time in 43 years this tradition of excellence will be interrupted by an unprecedented situation.”

In the next few weeks, Nankervis said WGI will be working to “untangle the complexities” surrounding the decision including working with vendors and other agencies.

REFUNDS:
-Entry fees - WGI will offer all groups registered for the 2020 World Championships a credit to be used towards any 2021 event entry fee, or a full refund issued upon request.

-Backside ticket orders: Full refunds will be processed within the next 30 days and/or those invoices will be voided if currently unpaid.

-All spectator tickets: WGI will be announcing refund plans within the next 48 hours.

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