All sport involving the elite GPS schoolboy organisation cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

All sport involving the elite GPS schoolboy organisation has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All sport involving the elite GPS schoolboy organisation has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement late today, the The Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS) Executive announced: “With the current threat of coronavirus impacting the health and welfare of Australians, the GPS has taken guidance from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) along with State and Federal Sporting Organisations, to amend the GPS events calendar and pre-season programs for active sport and activities.

BBC were leading the premiership along with Terrace.(AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“The health and safety of our students, staff, volunteers and the entire GPS community continues to be our number one priority and while we all want to see the competitions running as soon as possible, we won’t make any decisions that put anyone at risk.’’

“While many of our sport and activities are relatively safe and non-contact there are considerable measures that need to be in place to adhere to expert advice around reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

“We focused specifically on minimising the risk and impact on our communities that we

lead and serve, as well as their families.’’

The decision means term 1 sports sailing, volleyball and cricket were terminated prior to their season finishing, although rowing and swimming reached a conclusion in the last 10 days.

The GPS First XI cricket competition was headed to an exciting conclusion with Brisbane Boys College and St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace locked at the top of the table with two rounds to go.

BBC celebrate a wicket last Saturday. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“The GPS can confirm that the remainder of Term 1 activities which includes Cricket, Volleyball and Debating and the postponement of pre-season Cross Country meets and all formal and informal preseason training and competitions for Football, Tennis, Basketball and Rugby Union, have been cancelled.

“This directive will come into effect at midnight Tuesday 17 March effective until further

notice. This decision is consistent with the relevant state and national sporting organisations current directive.’’

Gregory Terrace Samuel King Koi at the GPS Head of the River, Lake. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

“These are difficult decisions and we certainly appreciate our community have invested a lot of time, effort and resources into preparing their teams, however we feel that it is important that we play our part, in reducing the spread of COVID-19 out of respect for all Australians.

“The GPS acknowledges that this advice can change as the situation evolves, and as such will continue to monitor, and act accordingly. Should there be any change to this advice the GPS will communicate this information through direct communication with Headmasters and Principals.’

CaSSSA MAKES A CALL ON SPORT

Next term sport that was scheduled across GPS schools included cross country, gymnastics, tennis and football