The World Ski Orienteering Championships are set to go ahead next month in Estonia ©IOF

The Organising Committee of the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) World Ski Orienteering Championships have received permission to host the competition next month in Estonia following COVID-19 concerns.

This event is now set to go ahead from February 22 to 28 in Kääriku, following approval from the Estonian Ministry of Culture.

On the entry deadline of January 8, a total of 16 nations had entered teams including all of the top eight countries in ski orienteering, meaning it meets the participation criteria necessary by the IOF Council for the Championships to take place.

Organisers in Estonia have established COVID-19 protocols for the event in cooperation with the Estonian Health Board.

The protocol is being reviewed with the IOF medical expert and will be updated if required in accordance with the COVID-19 situation up until the event is to take place.

The World Ski Orienteering Championships will be held alongside the Junior World and European Youth Championships ©IOF
The World Ski Orienteering Championships will be held alongside the Junior World and European Youth Championships ©IOF

Information about the protocol can be found on the event website, with updated information being published there too.

The event is also set to contain the Junior World Ski Orienteering Championships and European Youth Ski Orienteering Championships, which are also still scheduled to go ahead.

All three Championships are set to take place together within those February dates.

Snow conditions in Estonia are reportedly improving too and primary competition areas are currently in good shape.

More snow is expected for the rest of January, with mainly cold weather expected.

Organisers have now started preparation of all tracks for the Championships.