REGINA — Organizers of the upcoming Saskatchewan Winter Games, set to take place on Feb. 20-26 in Regina, have stated that everyone in attendance will need to be fully vaccinated prior to the games beginning.
The Saskatchewan Games Council and the SWG Host Organization said the decision was made with the safety of participants in mind.
“[The decision] was determined through extensive stakeholder consultation and is in line with best practices set out by sport organizations and other events in Saskatchewan and across the country,” said a statement.
The Winter Games plays host to more than 1,800 athletes and coaches from across the province, which led organizers to feel concerned about the event’s potential for superspreader transmission.
“The opportunity for virus spread, especially COVID-19 variants, in a Games environment is higher than an individual sport competition,” said the planning committee.
The policy means that all athletes, coaches and support staff, officials, volunteers, media and spectators will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination, with the final dose at least two weeks prior for full efficacy.
Proof of vaccination will follow the province’s lead, with eHealth Saskatchewan vaccination records, QR codes and public health wallet cards all accepted. Once presented, vaccination records won’t be stored, said organizers.
Negative test results won’t be considered an alternative, said the planning committee, as they represent “a snapshot in time.”
Following the current recommendations from Health Canada regarding vaccination eligibility, organizers said that athletes under the age of 12 will not be able to compete due to the requirement.
“[We] are optimistic that youth under the age of 12 will receive Health Canada approval in the near future, which will allow athletes in this age category to be fully vaccinated and eligible to participate in the Games.”
Indoor masking at the Games is also currently in play, but organizers said they will be following and considering alterations as they monitor the COVID-19 situation in the province.
