WOBURN, Mass. -- After spending the last 35 years in the Berkshires, the Bay State Winter Games Figure Skating competition will not take place in Williamstown in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

This decision was based on the Bay State Games overriding concern to protect the health and safety of all participants, coaches, judges, volunteers, and spectators. Other factors that lead to this decision include state guidelines limiting public events, the uncertainty of whether the Williams College Lansing Chapman Rink will open in 2021, current limitations on use of Williams College facilities by outside groups and protocol requirements from national figure skating governing bodies.

 

“It is with great disappointment that we announce we will be unable to host the Bay State Games figure skating competition in Williamstown in 2021,”  Bay State Games Executive Director Kevin Cummings said. “For the last 35 years, it has been a privilege to bring skaters and their families to Berkshire County for this longtime winter tradition. While our participants have always enjoyed travelling to the region for the event which has had a positive economic impact for local hotels and restaurants, many factors related to the pandemic prevent us from returning in the Winter of 2021”.

 

Bay State Games will continue to evaluate the possibility of hosting a live skating event in Massachusetts later in 2021 or as part of the Summer Games should the impact of the pandemic and restrictions improve. Potentially hosting virtual skating events later in the year is also under consideration. Future event options for 2021 are being investigated as federal, state, and local board of health protocols continue to be monitored. Bay State Games remains hopeful it can return to Berkshire County for 2022 events and beyond.

 

Updated information regarding the status of Bay State Games figure skating events will be posted on the Bay State Games website at www.baystategames.org/winter-games as soon as it is confirmed.