THERE will be no competitive wrestling this summer season — in a move that has bitterly disappointed competitors, officials and followers.

The decision by Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling’s Governing Board was reached at a Zoom meeting held on Tuesday, following the Government’s Step 4 announcement.

At a previous Governing Board meeting in June, all senior CWWA Championships for 2021 were cancelled, but it was still hoped that the six Junior Championships would go ahead subject to the ease of Government restrictions and a reduced Covid-19 infection rate.

A spokesperson said: “Although Step 4 in the Government’s roadmap brought the lifting of all restrictions, allowing competitive wrestling for all ages to resume, the CWWA Governing Board considered the Covid-19 infection rate too high to proceed.

“Another factor in reaching the decision was the ever-increasing number of CWWA-affiliated events sadly making the decision to cancel, including the prestigious Grasmere Sports. Only 13 events remained on the wrestling calendar, some of which were still uncertain.”

The next CWWA Governing Board meeting is scheduled for September 16, when the start of indoor training will be reviewed.

The board says safety is the priority.