Nipissing varsity sport cancelled up to December 31, 2020 following OUA announcement

North Bay, ON - Ontario University Athletics (OUA), under the direction of its Board of Directors, announced today the cancellation of all OUA-sanctioned sport programming and championships up to December 31, 2020. This decision was based on provincial public health guidelines and with the health and well-being of all OUA participants at the forefront. As a result of this announcement, Nipissing University OUA-sanctioned sport programming will also be cancelled up to December 31, 2020.

Dr. Mike DeGagné, Chair of the OUA Board of Directors and President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University, had this to say about the announcement:

“Unprecedented times require unprecedented action, which is what led us to this difficult decision. 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. We are committed to delivering OUA sport once our provincial public health authorities indicate it is safe to do so.”

Nipissing student athletes were informed of the announcement earlier today by the university. Under the direction of the provincial government and health authorities, Nipissing is working on a return to campus operations plan which will advise on access to all aspects of campus life including athletic schedules and training programs. The University is still encouraging its athletes to plan to return to campus this fall to engage in aspects of a safe Lakers athletics sport program. Nipissing University remains committed to allowing sport to continue in 2020-21 as long as it is safe to do so.

Gord Grace, OUA President and CEO said:

“I want to thank the Board of Directors and everyone who has been part of these important conversations. 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. 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. Through these exceptional circumstances, I know that the entirety of the OUA will continue to show that we are one.”

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.

The full announcement from the OUA can be viewed on their website here.

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Contact:

Meghan Venasse
Manager, Communications
705-474-3450 ext. 4615
meghanv@nipissingu.ca

Cristin Christopher
Director, External Relations
705-474-3450 ext. 4465
cristinc@nipissingu.ca