COVID-19 still disrupting sports

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite declining COVID-19 case numbers throughout the province and some youth activities now being allowed, many sporting organizations have been forced to close for the season.

Youth sports

Children and youth may now participate in lessons, practicing and conditioning activities for indoor and outdoor team-based minor sports and athletics. Some restrictions remain in effect for these activities, however. A maximum of 10 participants can gather at one time, and everyone besides coaches and trainers must be 18 or younger. Participants must still physically distance, regardless of the sport or activity. Coaches and trainers must wear masks throughout, and participants must wear them when not engaged in the activity. Access to change rooms is also being limited.

Rockyford Arena remains closed

Despite the easing of restrictions, the Rockyford Arena will remain closed, as both minor hockey and ringette have called their seasons, said Dan Munro, president.

“Even with the current restrictions, it still doesn’t allow a full team on the ice, and you have to be distanced,” he said. “That’s just not how the sport is played.

“We have already started the process of getting everybody’s jerseys back and getting refunds to all the ice users for the season,” added Munro. “It was pretty frustrating how it was handled.”

Strathmore curling over

The Strathmore and District Curling Club has decided to stop operations for the season, explained Ken Shackleton, president.

The club’s board made a decision a couple days before the province announced its plan to loosen restrictions. But the decision was finalized that day, because the earliest adult team sports could resume according to the government’s plan was about March 22, which is around when the curling club’s season ends. “So, we decided to shut the plant down,” said Shackleton.

The curling club will likely not pursue a summer league because most of its members golf in the summer, he added. But fundraising is continuing, with a 50/50 raffle. The draw will be made on Feb. 20, with the prize now over $1,100.