Leading disability service provider Activ has cancelled the 2021 Chevron City to Surf for Activ, due to the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19.

Activ CEO Danielle Newport said Activ is disappointed to cancel WA’s longest running and much-loved community fun run two years in a row, however the health and safety of the community comes first.

“The decision to cancel the event again this year was very difficult, and we are saddened not to share in the excitement of this fun run with the community.

“However, the health and safety of all Western Australians comes first so we believe this is the most responsible decision. As we have recently experienced, the uncertainty and challenges we face due to COVID-19 are likely to continue for some time.

“Everyone has a responsibility to do whatever we can to keep the WA community as free of COVID-19 as possible,” said Ms Newport.

“In addition, safely planning for a large, mass participation event like the Chevron City to Surf for Activ is very complicated and requires months of preparation and financial investment.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Activ simply cannot take the risk of investing in an event which carries a risk of cancellation in the near future.

“As such, we have made this decision as early as possible to give everyone plenty of notice and to eliminate the risk of spending funds associated with the event that may not be able to be recovered should the event need to be cancelled.”

The Chevron City to Surf for Activ is Activ’s largest annual fundraising event, with donations raised directed to supporting Western Australians living with intellectual disability to achieve their independence goals.

“For those runners, walkers, rollers and volunteers who look forward to fundraising through participating in the fun run event each year, we would greatly appreciate your continued support by donating to Activ via our website at https://www.activ.asn.au/donations/,” she said.

“As a long-term sponsor and partner of the event, Chevron Australia will continue to identify ways to support Activ during these challenging times.”

“We will continue to assess the risks of running future City to Surf events and will keep the community updated.”