The Rhode Island Guard has cancelled Leapfest due to
sequestration restrictions.
[RING
News release] Due to the policies and directives under the current
sequestration, Rhode Island National Guard officials regretfully announced that
the 2013 Leapfest, the Annual International Static Line Parachute Competition
scheduled for August in West Kingston has been canceled today.
The
Rhode Island Army National Guard has been proud to host the premier competitive
world-wide airborne jump team event but difficult fiscal challenges required us
to prioritize our training and plans," said Col. William Conway, commander
of the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard.
“The
Rhode Island National Guard is proud of its tradition, conducting the premier
jump demonstration for the airborne community for 30 years,” McBride said. “The
event has always strengthened our partnership within the international airborne
community fostering relations for future operations. I want to thank all
who have supported this event, planned and executed by the professionals of the
56th Troop Command. It is our intent to plan and prepare for the Leapfest
in 2014.”