Ontario University Athletics announcement

This message was originally distributed by Ontario University Athletics.

Ontario University Athletics (OUA), under the direction of its Board of Directors, announces the cancellation of all OUA-sanctioned sport programming and championships up to December 31st, 2020.

A decision of this magnitude was not made lightly, but the process of reaching this conclusion was based on provincial public health guidelines and with the health and wellbeing of all OUA participants at the forefront.

"To date we have been planning various scenarios in hopes that our student-athletes could still compete in OUA sport this fall. With the top priority being the health and safety of all involved, and the lack of clarity of a timeline towards a new normal where sport would be permitted, today’s announcement unfortunately is not surprising, but reality," said director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster.

"While this provides clarity for the fall competitive season, we will now focus on supporting our student-athletes as they digest the impact of this announcement, and continue to work on their academic success, while preparing next steps, once permitted, to allow student-athletes to return to train, and prioritize their wellbeing."

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.”

At this time, given the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, no decisions have been made beyond the 1st Term timeframe. 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.”

“We are committed to delivering OUA sport once our provincial public health authorities indicate it is safe to do so,” DeGagné added.

Along with the OUA’s announcement, similar action has been taken by Canada West and Atlantic University Sport, both of which have also announced the cancellation of their respective 1st Term sport schedules.

Finished Grace, “Through these exceptional circumstances, I know that the entirety of the OUA will continue to show that we are one”.

For media inquiries, please contact Gord Grace at the information below:

Gord Grace
President & CEO
Ontario University Athletics E: gord.grace@oua.ca
P: 226-350-7760