Basketball and cheer championships cancelled

The Alaska School Activities Association had announced the cancellation of the 2020 State Basketball and Cheer Championships.

The purpose of the postponement and mandate is to reduce the possibility for spreading Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

ASAA agrees with the State of Alaska’s assessment that our best course of action in dealing with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), is to slow down the statewide spreading of the virus. One of the ways to mitigate the spread is to not have large statewide gatherings. March Madness Alaska is possibly the largest statewide gathering each year and ASAA would not be acting responsibly if we were to host this year’s event. ASAA understands many students and adults will be severely disappointed by the need to cancel March Madness Alaska. However, when discussing the merits of educational based activity participation, concepts such as “teamwork” and “sacrifice” are often mentioned. This is a time when these concepts will be applied, in order to help best protect our State.

ASAA’s stated mission is to strengthen student wellness, academic and social development by advocating equitable participation and fostering healthy competition for ALL Alaska students. #winforlife. By “win for life” ASAA hopes to convey the benefits of educational based activities go with the student well beyond their last contest or event.

Our State is fortunate to have dedicated coaches and advisors that help students gain these benefits both in victory and defeat. Cancelling a state tournament is not something we take lightly. We recognize that for many student’s this opportunity will not come again. However, we prioritize the health of our students, coaches, school staff, fans and elders over the want to determine this year’s champions.