Team Unique in Espoo last season. (Credits: Kirsi Laine Photography - 2019)

After 24 editions, the Finlandia Trophy Espoo 2020 will not be organized this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Finnish Figure Skating Association (FFSA) announced that they are ready to conduct the event virtually.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the Finnish government has decided to further tighten the travel restrictions, explain the Finnish Figure Skating Association (FFSA). The council has decided to cancel the traditional Finlandia Trophy that should have been organized from 9-11 October in Espoo, Finland.

Each season, the competition opens the international synchronized skating season by including a Senior event where top teams compete only with their Short Program.

"We are sad that we will not be able to host this popular competition, but after careful consideration, this was the best solution to ensure the safety of top skaters, officials, volunteers and the public," explains the FFSA.

However, the federation is ready to conduct the competition virtually. "The possibility of organizing a virtual competition is currently being negotiated. The event should be streamed to viewers as well," adds the Finnish Figure Skating Association.

The decision to change a traditional event to a "virtual competition" has already been chosen in the United States. A few days ago, the Porter Classic organizing committee has announced that the 2020 event will be a virtual experience.

Finland will tighten restrictions on public gatherings from September, according to the Reuters agency on Monday. Having allowed up to 500 people to gather during August, the new measure will limit gatherings to 50 people due to a recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

The number of cases has been rising again in recent weeks in Finland with a total of 7,871 cases and 334 deaths at the end of the week.