SPARTA (WSIL) -- The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta will not host this year's Grand American championships.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) made the announcement late Monday afternoon, citing concerns about the coronavirus.
The Grand American World Trapshooting Championships, traditionally held in Sparta, is the largest shooting event of its kind, spanning several days with more than 20 events.
More than 5,000 competitors and spectators from around the globe were expected to attend this year.
“The health and safety of participants who would attend, as well as spectators and staff, must remain top-of-mind,� said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. “Of course, we’ll miss seeing participants and enjoying the camaraderie and sport from those who compete but, after considering recommendations and concerns from the Illinois Department of Public Health, know that safeguarding the health of attendees is the right decision in light of the ongoing global pandemic.�
“Without a vaccine and proven treatment, we must continue to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19,� said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Large gatherings of people originating from different states and countries could undo the amazing work of Illinoisans to contain and control the spread of the virus. We support this difficult decision to protect the people of our state.�
State officials say overall attendance and international travel factored into the decision not to host this year’s event. Other concerns included the ability to screen individuals entering and leaving the complex, controlling the size of groups gathered in the campground, and the limited health care capacity in the immediate area.
"I am bitterly disappointed by Governor Pritzker's inexplicable decision prohibiting the 2020 Grand American from occurring in Sparta this year," said State Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo). "The Governor's arrogant refusal to listen to Southern Illinois elected officials--Republican and Democrat alike--who urged him to allow the event deprives the region of tens of millions of dollars in desperately-needed income and undermines the viability of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. The manner in which this decision was made, from ignoring logic to disregarding the input of local leaders, shows an utter disregard for the people of Southern Illinois and calls into question Governor Pritzker's ability to lead our state."
RELATED:
