Launceston Tornadoes are the latest Tasmanian sport team to see 2020 disappear down the drain with the cancellation of the NBL1 South season.
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At 4pm on Tuesday, the National Basketball League confirmed that all three conferences of the forthcoming 2020 NBL1 season would not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Launceston club accepted the news that meant there would be no senior matches played at Elphin Sports Centre this year.
Chairman Neil Grose said given the current climate, the decision was inevitable.
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"While it is very disappointing that the Torns won't be taking to the court in 2020, we do support the decision of the NBL1 and the actions of state and federal governments to contain the spread of COVID-19," he said.
"The events of recent days together with stringent travel restrictions in and out of Tasmania along with the closure of all indoor sporting facilities has made this decision inevitable.
"The health, safety and wellbeing of the Tasmanian community and the entire league must come first."
Grose said the Torns board were grateful for the efforts of sponsors, players, staff, volunteers and the club's fan base for their efforts.
He thanked the Hobart Chargers and North West Thunder for their "support and solidarity" during an uncertain time.
"The relationship between the three clubs has only become stronger as a result of these unfolding events and while we will compete strongly on the court, we are a united group off the court to make Tasmanian basketball stronger."
We are already looking forward to season 2021
- Torns chairman Neil Grose
Grose predicted the sport would bounce back in Tasmania in 2021.
"The Tornadoes along with the Chargers and Thunder are very confident that basketball in Tasmania will continue to grow in the future, and we are already looking forward to season 2021," Grose said.
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