OUA Update On Return To Play
Post is courtesy of the OUA from August 10, 2021 https://oua.ca/news/2021/8/10/general-oua-return-to-play-update.aspx.
Burlington, Ont. – Over the past few weeks, several announcements have been made by Ontario University Athletics (OUA) members regarding mandatory vaccinations for their respective student-athletes ahead of the 2021-22 season. The OUA and its Board of Directors fully endorse schools’ decisions to make vaccinations mandatory for student-athletes, as it will help to create the best opportunity for a successful return to play.
Says Gord Grace, OUA President & CEO, “The OUA commends the mandate that several of our universities have established with regards to their vaccination approach, as well as their testing and game day protocols, as creating the safest possible environment for all of our stakeholders remains the top priority”.
The OUA remains steadfast in encouraging all stakeholders to take the necessary actions to best ensure a safe return to sport for the upcoming season and beyond. Not only does this include vaccinations, but also a continuous urge to be diligent in their day-to-day actions in support of the Government of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen.
The OUA and our members will continue to work with public health authorities and Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) to ensure that we are creating the highest safety standards as part of our return to competition.
The anticipation surrounding the return to play across the conference is palpable, and now less than 30 days out from the start of several OUA training camps, that excitement cannot overshadow the imperative role that all of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and officials have to play to ensure a safe and successful return to sport for 2021-22.