Ontario University Athletics and U SPORTS have announced the cancellation of fall sports programming and championships up to Dec. 31, 2020. This decision applies, provincially and nationally, to all varsity sport programs, including those that do not compete in OUA and U SPORTS.
The decision was made based in consultation with medical and public health authorities, and with the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, and fans as the number one priority.
“As a varsity community we are all disappointed by this news, and we know how difficult and heartbreaking this is for our student-athletes,” says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Queen’s Athletics & Recreation. “We know better than most how much our student-athletes, coaches and supporters dedicate their lives to their sport, and the pride they have in playing for Queen’s. We will be providing support to students during this difficult time, and look forward to a return to play as soon as it is safe to do so.”
OUA and U SPORTS have not made a decision about the winter season. This will be confirmed later in the fall term. The OUA will be closely monitoring the ongoing health considerations and viability for these future opportunities over the coming months. Updates will be provided as they become available, and answers to commonly asked questions will be continually updated on the Gaels website.
“This decision and announcement raise many new questions and concerns about what activity might be possible this fall,” says Dal Cin. “The future will be determined by the evolving nature of the pandemic, government directives, public health and University guidance. We very much want to see our varsity and recreation programs back in action, and will re-open facilities and re-start in-person training and activity when we are permitted and it is safe to do so.”
Athletics and Recreation will continue to provide remote training programs and opportunities for student-athletes and teams/clubs to connect online, as well as virtual fitness class that are accessible to the community.
Canada West and Atlantic University Sport have announced they too have cancelled their respective fall-term sport schedules.