After careful consultation, and in line with advice from the Australian Government and Department of Health, Youth Focus and the Hawaiian Ride for Youth (HRFY) Organising Committee has made the difficult, yet responsible, decision to cancel the 2020 Hawaiian Ride for Youth amid the growing public health concerns and our shared social responsibility around coronavirus (COVID-19).
We sincerely thank all participants and sponsors for their dedication to the event, their training and fundraising, and the young people of Western Australia.
As a health organisation, we support government endeavours to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading to a broader population. While we understand this decision is disappointing, it is in the interest of the health and safety of riders, support crew, Youth Focus staff and the regional communities in which the Ride visits.
All funds raised to date for the 2020 Hawaiian Ride for Youth will still be received by Youth Focus to help fund its mental health services which are provided free of charge to young Western Australians.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Arthur Papakotsias, CEO Youth Focus & Phil Renshaw, Chair HRFY Organising Committee