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SANDY — One of the larger youth basketball summer tournaments on the Wasatch Front was shut down Wednesday night after a confirmed case of COVID-19, according to the Salt Lake County health department.
The Rocky Mountain Showcase, sponsored by Jam On It events, was canceled by the health department after a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus was discovered, the health department said in a statement.
“Due to a confirmed case of COVID associated with the Jam On It basketball tournament at Mountain America Expo Center, Salt Lake County Health Department has suspended the tournament until we can complete a thorough epidemiologic investigation into who might have been exposed,” the statement read.
The tournament, a minimum-four-game tournament that would have brought together up to 250 teams across 20 courts and 16 divisions from third grade to high school, was originally scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, July 9-11, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Organizers canceled this year’s tournament via a statement posted on their website.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, and out of an abundance of caution, the Rocky Mountain Showcase is postponed until 2021. We apologize for the inconvenience and late notice,” the alert read. “Jam On It had every intention of running an outstanding event. Funds can be used for a future event, or refunded as desired.”
Spectators would be limited due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for social distancing, and all participants would be required to wear face masks when inside the building (and not playing basketball).
Each team’s $500 entry fee may be used for a future event, according to Jam It On organizers, or a refund will be issued to those who request it.
Earlier Wednesday, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson issued a reminder for coaches, players, spectators and others involved with youth sports during the pandemic to help limit the spread of the virus during games and practices.
Tips include checking players and coaches for symptoms prior to practices, meetings and competitions, including temperature checks; correctly wearing face coverings whenever possible; practice good hand sanitization, using soap and water or hand sanitizer; and promoting good hygiene, such as not spitting and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of one’s elbow.
