Thunder Varsity 2020-2021
Special announcement for the 2021-2022 varsity season.
Published: October 15, 2020Hello Algonquin College Community,
I want to share with you a new development regarding the 2020-21 varsity athletic season.
The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) in collaboration with the member institutions have made the decision to cancel the sanctioned varsity athletic season for the 2021 winter semester. Sports affected by this decision include badminton, basketball, curling, volleyball and indoor soccer. Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) extramural scheduled activities will also be cancelled (with exception to online options).
The OCAA made this difficult but necessary decision in collaboration with its member institutions based on a number of factors. The restrictive measures in place by the provincial sport regulatory bodies as well as orders from Public Health do not allow for regular sanctioned competition to take place for a provincial sports conference. Additionally, this decision is due to the members continued provision of a hybrid academic delivery model for the 2021 winter semester, thereby minimizing the number of students and staff on campuses in order to further reduce the potential exposure of COVID-19.
More information is available on the OCAA.com website, including a FAQ.
I know this is disappointing news for those of you who are members and fans of our varsity sports teams. Varsity sports is an important part of the overall experience here on our campus. It was a difficult decision, but the right one to make. Your health and safety remains our top priority. To our athletes and employees who are affected by this decision, we are here to support you, including access to mental health services.
Sport and athletics are an integral part of our institution and we look forward to the resumption of varsity athletics once the conditions allow for it.
Thank you,
Martha Peak
Senior Manager, Athletics and Recreation