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What do the years 1940, 1955, and 2020 have in common?
Those are the three years (since 1932 when the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition began) that the Webster Team of the day had to make the decision to forego the national competition. In 1940, it was the Second World War, in 1955, it was escalating administrative costs for the competition. Now, in 2020, it is the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
With Canadians heeding the warnings, advice and orders to stay at home, self-isolate, avoid crowds and stop unnecessary travel, the Webster Team determined that the most prudent action would be to forego the 2020 search for Canada’s top amateur pilot.
Reluctantly and regrettably, there will be no Webster Trophy Competition this year.
There were many reasons for this decision. Key among those reasons is the Webster team’s concern for the health and safety of it applicants, staff, partner school, and, of course, all the other Canadians with whom those involved with the Webster Trophy would need to come in contact if it were to go ahead with the competition this year. Also, Webster relies extensively on the generosity of its many dedicated supporters and sponsors. Given the dire financial situation faced by so many in Canada’s aviation community, the Webster Team cannot in good conscience ask for financial support at a time like this.
The Webster team is currently completing the work required to wind down the 2020 competition. When that work is complete, it will direct its energies to plans for Webster 2021. When the time is right, the team will again contact all members of the Webster family, including supporters and sponsors, as it gets ready for next year’s competition.
The Webster Team extends its sincere appreciation to all Webster supporters and sponsors for their help and encouragement until now. It looks forward to working with them again for next year’s competition.
Between now and then, please take the advice available from the many reliable sources so that you keep safe and healthy.
