2020 Boys Nation and JSSP air rifle tournament canceled

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose serious health risks, creating unprecedented responses from government and public health authorities and levels of uncertainty throughout the nation. The way in which it may spread, and its duration, cannot be accurately predicted.

Because of these uncertainties, the 75th session of American Legion Boys Nation (scheduled for July 17-25 in Washington, D.C.) and the American Legion Junior Shooting 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship (scheduled for July 21-26 in Colorado Springs, Colo.) have been canceled.

American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford said the decision to cancel the 2020 Boys Nation program and air rifle national tournament “was difficult. It was made with safety as the highest priority.”

Oxford hopes that this early cancellation notification will provide departments flexibility to make the best decisions possible for their respective Boys State programs, and provide shooting coaches flexibility for making the best decisions possible for their youth who are currently involved in the national postal tournament, “without feeling the pressure of their youth being excluded from the national capstone programs,” he said.

Assessment is underway regarding the awarding of 2020 Samsung American Legion Scholarships to Boys State and Girls State participants. More information will be announced.

“Times right now are tough, but we will get through them together," Oxford said. "Thank you for your patience, resilience and continued service to our great organization and country.”