The members of the Kelowna Apple Triathlon Society wish to express our disappointment regarding the recent cancellation of our race. We know it was disappointing for all the athletes who trained all year and travelled to Kelowna to participate. Cancellation was not a decision that was made lightly. All of the options were discussed in detail and in the final analysis, everyone agreed that the weather (which was upgraded to "Severe Storm warning with Lightining") and the flooded bike course (one foot of water at one place despite efforts to pump it away), meant that we could not offer a safe race.

I know that all of the approximately 30 plus members of the organizing committee are also very disappointed. They volunteered their time for twelve months to put this race on for all the athletes. We are a non-profit society and all of the directors and coordinators, plus many other volunteers, work without pay to organize this event. They would have been much happier to see the result of all their hard work, however safety comes first.

We regret that we cannot give refunds. The entry fees are used to pay the bills, which will still come in and have to be paid, even though the race was cancelled. All the work had been put in place and the expenses incurred by the time the race was scheduled to start. It is for exceptional circumstances like this that most races, including ours, have a no refund policy. It is unfortunate, but necessary to avoid having to close down.

We will work hard to put on next year~s race. We thank the many of you for your words of support and understanding in this time of heartfelt disappointment and we hope to see you again next year.

Richard Montgomery,
KATS President