Dear Coaches & Parents of Pentathletes,
I was so very saddened to get the call from Bloomfield Hills School District that our Division 2 (Grades 2-3) Michigan Tournament has been cancelled on March 21 due to concern of the serious spread of COVID-19. As many of you are aware, all large group events are being cancelled, not only in Michigan but throughout the country due to the attempt to limit the spread of this very contagious virus.
In our 42 year history, a National Math Pentathlon Academic Tournament has NEVER been cancelled. It is so very frustrating to have this event cancelled on March 21 with full knowledge of how hard the Pentathletes, Coaches, and Parent Volunteers have worked to practice for this annual academic event.
With this in mind, we are trying to reschedule the tournament with the district on May 23.
This is the only other available date since other MI/OH and IN/OH Math Pentathlon Tournaments are scheduled from April 18-May 16.
Concerning refunds, if Pentathletes cannot attend a rescheduled tournament or if a tournament cannot be rescheduled:
Many of you are likely aware of our longstanding Non-Refund policy that was instituted in our early years. This policy was based on the fact that we are a small Non-Profit Educational Organization that prepares for many months to conduct National Tournaments. We are dependent on Tournament fees to sustain our overhead costs throughout the course of the year. Without such funding, we would cease to exist. Any catastrophic event, such as a pandemic, is beyond our ability to control. We trust that you believe that the safety of children and adults comes first. The Pentathlon Institute supports and complies with the difficult decision made by the School District to safeguard all those that we hold dear.
I am praying that the other Michigan Tournaments on April 25 and May 16 will still be conducted since they are 6 and 9 weeks away. So much can happen between then and now and we are hoping for the best outcome for our Pentathletes.
All School Contact Designees and officially registered participants will be notified of any updates by email.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Gilfeather
President, Pentathlon Institute