EMA statement, for the European Championship MASTERS in the hall (3.000m and 5km walk) LOC Braga and for the European Championship MASTERS off-track (30km / 10km walk road) LOC Madeira, Portugal

Dear athletes, dear veteran athletes!

We are all now witnessing a very special situation in the world and we do not know what will come. People suffer a lot from coronavirus conditions. I don't need to explain and repeat what brings us new news every moment. Right now, governments are negotiating a procedure that we are not able to understand well, but it is, we have no influence on it.

Our partners in Braza and Madeira are very saddened by the development because they really care about us masters and need a decision to work. The European Union is giving advice to governments on how to be prepared. Decisions are different in different countries, there is no single path.

In this precarious situation, the LOC and EMA must find a solution, just like other sports organizations. This situation is very thorny - caused by government decisions. People from some parts of the country are not allowed to travel, closed events are postponed, as we did in Braza. People have to stay at home, Italian cities are closed, schools are closed and people are shopping in supermarkets…

The LOC and EMA are now looking for a way to deal with decisions that will not satisfy all of us, but must be made.

BRAGA

• EMACI Braga is translated on January 10-17, 2021. This is the only date available because the city has provided a hall for other event organizers. The track must be re-installed before Christmas. We can't have another date.
• All current applications will be valid for this new date. New additional registrations will be possible from March 25 to December 6, 2020.
• Some people who booked their flights and accommodation without insurance told me they were coming on vacation and training. LOK offered the stadium for training during their stay. Those who have secured flights and accommodation through agencies could change the booking to a new date.
• There will be little change in the EMACI schedule: the cross will take place at the beginning of the championship.
• The LOC and EMA have spent the entire event and the bills are paid. The Vice President - Economist of the EMA will assess how much the entry fee can be returned to athletes who are unable to arrive in January. We need some time to find a solution. Each athlete will receive a letter to confirm or cancel their application. We hope you still support our initiative, don't give up!
• "EMA BEST MASTERS AWARD" - The European Veteran will be sent to the athletes along with their diplomas. He won't wait until January 2021.
• For those athletes who will come to Braga in March: I will be in the Altice Arena on Saturday, March 14 at 3 pm to welcome you… because it is necessary to talk about some intentions for the future.

WOOD

ME off-track (EMCNS) 30km / 10km walk of the road is postponed until October 29 - 31, 10

• The island has autonomy and can make its own decisions. People are also very concerned about the situation. LOC President Policarpo awaits the decision of the superior authorities. If they decide to close Madeira Airport or leave only certain arrivals to the island of Madeira, we do not know…
• The intention is to move both events - the trail and the hills together with the road to November 2020.
• The entry fee will be paid and registration will be possible again by October… it is still before the decision of the superior authorities.

We've received hundreds of emails and many phone calls over the last two days. Some of us are now at the end of our strength. It would help us all if you wait for the final decision, which will be published on our official website or you will receive information directly from the organizer through Sigma or Opentrack.

The EMA Council and LOC are working on the solution as best they can. Thank you very much for your understanding.

On behalf of the EMA Council, LOC Braga and LOC Madeira

Kurt Kaschke - EMA President