By City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Organizers have cancelled the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show team championships, held annually in Wisconsin Rapids.

“The Wisconsin Water Ski Federation and the Aqua Skiers regret to announce that the team competition part of the 2020 Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships is cancelled,” the organization said in a release.

“The WWSF executive board and representatives of the Aqua Skiers held discussions over the previous couple of weeks about how to safely conduct this event. Guidance from the Wood County Health Department was a determining factor in making this difficult decision. The director indicated that it would ‘irresponsible of us to host an event of this magnitude’ and that there is always a possibility of issuing new orders restricting group sizes and gatherings should there be a spike in COVID-19 cases.

“We believe it is our responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all participants, officials and spectators at water skiing events and activities. Bringing 26 teams together over four days presents many challenges for adhering to all of the best practices prescribed by the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wood County Health Department and local jurisdictions.”

The organization is exploring ways to host a state individual acts competition. They are also working on two programs focused on ”individual skills advancement.”