2020 IF CONVENTION POSTPONED TIL 2021
Regrettably the Islip HPC of Long Island must postpone the 2020 IF Convention until 2021. With Long Island being one of the hot spots for the deadly COVID-19 virus and without any relief in sight we have to postpone the convention and convention race for the safety of all the handlers and their families. Long Island is also, like so many places, under a stay-at-home order. As of April 1st two major airlines will not transport live animals which also may become a major problem with bird shipment from breeders.We don't know if that will affect pigeons being shipped thru the post office at some point. At the present time local hotels are closed with no idea of when they will be opening. According to most doctors and scientists dealing with the COVID-19 virus there is a good chance of it coming back in the fall which will also present a problem.
This decision was not an easy one to make as we were looking forward to holding the convention but hopefully we can all get thru this safely and have a great convention and race next year. Everyone’s health and well being are more important then flying pigeons.
The breeders that have already sent birds will be contacted by the chairmen and all entry fees will be returned. An option to all the breeders that have birds already sent can enter them in the Islip club sponsored NSBR $50 band race if they wish. This race has been a fantastic band race for well over 20 years. The race is open to out of area birds as well as local birds. It is a 250 mile young bird race and the birds will also fly a 300 mile yearling race in old birds. If any one has not sent birds to the convention yet but were planning to do so can send birds directly to the handlers to compete in the NSBR race.
All payments should be made payable to the ISLIP HPC. For more information about this race it can be found at the islipracingpigeonclub.com web site or you can call Doug Franz 516-522-0748 or Rich Neske 631-291-1913.
We hope everyone understands the decision we have made and come back to be part of the 2021 IF Convention with us next year.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing everyone next year. STAY SAFE
