Ontario University Athletics Cancels All Sports Programming And Championships Until January

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 1415 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

The Ontario University Athletics has cancelled of all OUA-sanctioned sport programming and championships up to December 31st, 2020.

“Unprecedented times require unprecedented action, which is what led us to this difficult decision,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, Chair of the OUA Board of Directors. “The health of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, and fans is our number one priority, and after significant consultation, we believe that OUA sport cannot be delivered prior to December 31st.”

Officials say that it was after ongoing conversations with health authorities, as well as extensive contingency planning with the Board of Directors, member institutions, and colleagues across the country, that it became increasingly evident that a safe return to play for the 1st Term was not realistic.

“I want to thank the Board of Directors and everyone who has been part of these important conversations,” added Gord Grace, OUA President & CEO. “While this has been a challenging course of action for all involved, the health and safety of our student-athletes and all participants remain paramount. Even though we will not have the opportunity to celebrate our student-athletes on the field during the 1st Term, they remain at the heart of what our organization is about and we will continue to work toward achieving a safe return to play when the time is right to do so.”

Any decisions regarding the feasibility of delivering OUA-sanctioned programming and championships beyond January 1st, 2021 will come at a later date, but Grace adds that the organization’s goal will be a 2nd Term return.

“We remain hopeful that we can provide quality experiences for our student-athletes starting in the new year and will be closely monitoring the ongoing health considerations and viability for these future opportunities over the coming months.”