Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire ”
The OFSAA Executive Council & staff members announced last week they have cancelled all of the Fall Championships and Festivals scheduled for October & November.
The decision, which I’m certain didn’t come quickly or easily, is aligned with Stage 3 of the Provincial Reopening regulations.
Those regulations imposed a variety of restrictions on sports and activities, which when considered meant conducting an OFSAA Championship in any form was not feasible in the eyes of the executive council.
Naturally, the greater concern is for the safety of all students scheduled to return to elementary and secondary schools in Bluewater and beyond this Fall whether those youngsters are involved in athletics or not.
However, you can’t help but feel for those who participate and compete in football, cross country, Girls Basketball and Boys Volleyball at the High School level.
What’s likely the most appealing aspect of their high school lives has been wiped out for this season.
Furthermore, I’m certain through OFSAA planning a number of schools in a number of centres were anticipating being the host for an OFSAA Championship which is a marvellous showcase and a solid economic boost for any community.
OFSAA states they will continue to monitor the situation in the province and they relate any decisions pertaining to Winter & Spring activities at the high school level will be made at a later date.
Without trying to be a cynic, or negative, the announcements last week from The Masters in Golf and Curling Canada puts high school sports for the Winter in jeopardy as well.
I’m Fred Wallace