Chicopee cancels night games for fall sports due to West Nile threat

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The threat of West Nile virus has prompted Chicopee School officials to cancel or postpone night games for sports teams.

The announcement comes after health officials raised the West Nile virus threat to critical this week.   Last week, a man in his 60's tested positive for the virus.

Chicopee Athletic Director Jim Blain told 22News that no games will start later than 4:30 in the afternoon because peak mosquito hours are at dawn and dusk.  Blair said that time will be moved up as the season progresses and the sun begins to set earlier.

The restrictions apply to all high school fall sports at both Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School.  Friday night football games will be pushed back to Saturday afternoons. 

Blair said postponing and canceling the games was a joint decision on behalf of school officials and the mayor's office.  City and school officials will reassess the threat in the coming weeks.