Showsight - November 2021

A L E T T E R F R OM T H E A K C P R E S I D E N T

W hat a difference a year makes! 2021 has demon- strated, once again, that our dog events community is strong, resilient, and deeply committed to the preservation and progression of our dogs and our sports. While 2020 was filled with uncertainty, 2021 was filled with comradery, per- severance, and spirited competition while keeping exhibitors, judges, and club members safe. We applaud the hard work of our clubs and AKC Staff that have made this possible. The end of the year brings us to our 21st annual AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. We are excited to once again welcome breeders, exhibitors, judges, Board Members, Delegates, and superintendents to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, to showcase amazing dogs in Agility, Conformation, Diving Dogs, Rally, Obedience, and Fast CAT. The AKC Agility Invitational will showcase some of the most skilled competitors in the country as the race through difficult courses, and the AKC Obedience Classic will show- case dogs that have mastered commands at the highest level. These events recognize the best of the best in our companion sports, and we are thrilled to celebrate them. The AKC Fast CAT Invitational will make its return to our Championship weekend. We are excited to see the coun- try’s fastest dogs compete in the “Speed of the Breed” and “Pure Speed” competitions. We will welcome spectators this year with COVID-19 protocols and safety measures in place to protect the safety of everyone. Precautions will include mandatory facemasks, COVID-19 waivers, and ample sanitization stations. For those unable to join us in Florida, The National Championship Groups and Best in Show, Best Bred-By Exhibitor and BBE Groups, NOHS Groups and Finals,

Puppy & Junior Stakes Groups and Best in Stakes, Junior Showmanship Finals, Agility, Obedience, and Rally will be livestreamed on AKCtv and will remain available on demand for your viewing enjoyment. As we head towards crowning “America’s Champion,” we are enthusiastic about gathering together, and look for- ward to sharing this experience with exhibitors, Delegates, judges, Board Members, and our amazing production crew. Now, on with the show!

Enjoy,

DENNIS SPRUNG AKC PRESIDENT/CEO

42 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021

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