Little Athletics Queensland president Donna Smith has taken to social media to defend cancelling state championships on the weekend because of the coronavirus threat.
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The championships, which were scheduled for the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, were cancelled on Friday afternoon.
More than 1900 people from 85 clubs across Queensland, including Jimboomba, Redlands and Beaudesert, were set to compete.
Little Athletics Queensland said the decision was made in the best interests of the athletes' health.
Smith took to Facebook on Sunday night to explain the situation.
"Up until 1.30pm we were still going ahead with the competition," she said.
"Staff and volunteers had all but finished setting up the arena for competition. I was contacted by our National body, Little Athletics Australia (LAA) at 1.45pm. LAA had been in contact with Sport Australia who advised that all states who hadn't already done so should cancel or postpone their Championships.
"We then convened a meeting and waited for the government's decision on mass events, which was scheduled to be made at 2pm.
"I am fully aware of the ramifications this meant for families of LAQ, particularly those who had travelled long distances, either by air or road, to get here.
"We looked at this very seriously and made the decision with a very heavy heart."
Little Athletics Queensland said it was a difficult call to make on Friday.
"This decision has not been made lightly and has been made in the best interest of our athletes and families," they said.
