On April 25, 2020, the Wisconsin Swimming Board canceled the 2020 Summer Wisconsin Swimming Meet Series including all Open Water and Regional Championships as well as the 12 & Under and 13 & Over State Meets.

Most of these meets are scheduled for the end of July or beginning of August 2020, so this decision could have been made months down the road. The health crisis is an ever-evolving situation and the Board should wait until more timely information is available before making a decision that impacts so many swim families.

Swimmers want to swim and many are competitive by nature. Even if they are not allowed into a pool until July 1, 2020, they want to compete at the highest level! They just want an opportunity - any opportunity - to earn best times, team records, state championships, zone and national cuts (regardless of how short the training season).

If necessary, meets could be run with skeleton crews of officials and volunteers who maintain social distancing protocols. Meets could even be closed to spectators. Keeping in mind that a pool is typically a chlorinated environment, let our swimmers compete! Sign this petition to ask the Board to reevaluate its decision on July 1st when more health information is available.

If it is deemed by our state government and health leaders that swimming can be done safely this summer, our swimmers deserve competitive opportunities which will not only give them a chance to strive for their goals, but will strengthen their physical condition and immune system. Most of all, these championship meets will lift their spirits after months of isolation and contribute to their overall well being.