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OUA sets path for return to sport this fall

Story originally posted June 2, 2021 at https://oua.ca/news/2021/6/1/general-oua-sets-path-for-return-to-sport-this-fall.aspx.

Burlington, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to announce the approval by the Board of Directors of the conference’s plans for league-based sport in the 2021-22 season, the latest step in the path for a return to sport this fall.

With sights firmly set on providing competition this upcoming season, the OUA, in conjunction with the organization’s Recovery and Sport Committees, has been developing alternate formats to bring back university competitive sport in the fall.

The OUA is also in the final stages of planning for next season’s open championships.

“The efforts that have been made by the OUA office and the respective committees to get us to this point have been outstanding. While there is still work to be done, the path toward a return to sport is becoming clearer,” said Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, Chair of the OUA Board of Directors.

At the forefront of the Recovery Plan remains the health and safety of all OUA stakeholders. As the province presses onward toward the recently announced reopening plans, the conference is working closely with provincial sport organizations and public health authorities on return to sport safety protocols.

“As we continue to work with the relevant organizations and committees to execute our Recovery Plan, and as the number of vaccinated OUA student-athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators increases, we will see more positive steps like this amidst our highly-anticipated return to sport,” added Gord Grace, OUA President & CEO.

Out of respect to the ongoing developments within the province’s three-step reopening plan, the approved alternate formats will be monitored in the coming weeks and months ahead. Further adjustments may be made during that timeframe if needed to ensure they reflect the health and safety of all parties and align with provincial health guidelines.

Additional details regarding structures and schedules will be released at a later date, in conjunction with the timelines set out in the province’s reopening framework.

Finished Grace, “To be in a position to put these plans in place shows that the OUA and our members are working hard to be ready to return this fall. The OUA collective remain committed to offering competition during the 2021-22 season and welcoming back our student-athletes to the playing field.”