Much to the disappointment of regional and provincial athletes gearing up for this year’s Saskatchewan Winter Games, the organizers have announced the cancellation of the event. The games were set to go in Regina from February 20-26. A press release to this effect was issued by the Saskatchewan Winter Games Committee on Friday. 

The release acknowledged the difficult decision was made in light of the COVID-19 surge in the province. 

“This decision follows a recommendation by medical health officials representing the Saskatchewan Health Authority, as well as input from the Medical Division of the Host Organizing Committee,” stated the release. 

The Committee went on to say that throughout the process of planning for the games, they have been working collaboratively with medical advisors. The unpredictability and rapid spread of the Omicron variant has added additional concerns and levels of risk mitigation that the committee felt was too complicated to undertake. The sheer numbers of participants was one of the key factors. 

As part of the release, the Saskatchewan Games Council thanked everyone for their patience and understanding as partners worked tirelessly to try to deliver the games. 

“Throughout the process the health and safety of everyone involved was the number one priority and became evident when making this tough decision.”

The Committee and the Games Council remain committed to monitoring the situation to see if the 2022 edition of the games can be held at a later date.