Organizers of the Kamloops International Baseball Tournament have pulled the plug on the event for a second-straight year.

Tournament committee president Wayne Harper says in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel but he says it is not arriving soon enough for KIBT to happen this year.

“We looked at this decision from every possible angle, with hopes of giving fans and our longtime sponsors something to look forward to,” Harper says.

“In the end, there was no way to plan ahead without knowing when restrictions on gathering would be lifted, not to mention the travel restrictions that currently prevent U.S. teams from to travelling to Canada to compete.”

He adds this was a difficult decision but ultimately was seen to be the right one by organizers. Teams that had signed on to play have already been advised that it has been cancelled.

“(Teams)” have been so good to us over the years and they feel the same frustration as we do, but they also know the decision was made for the right reasons.”

The tournament is usually held at Norbrock Stadium in early-to-mid July, with eight teams competing for prize money. This year’s tournament would’ve been year 47 of hosting it.

Harper says the tournament committee hopes KIBT will return in 2022.

“In the meantime, Kamloops, stay safe, be responsible and we hope to see you back at the ballpark soon.”

(Photo: kibt.ca)