Proof of vaccination to be required for Saskatchewan Winter Games

Attendees and all of the competitors will have to make sure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend the Saskatchewan Winter Games in February.

In a release, the Saskatchewan Games Council said the decision was made in order to provide the safest possible environment for all participants, volunteers and attendees.

“This requirement will extend to athletes, coaches, managers, mission staff, officials, volunteers, media, and event staff,” the release by the council read. “All spectators over the age of 12 must also be fully vaccinated to attend.

“All eligible individuals must provide proof of full vaccination prior to their participation in or attendance at the Games. Further details regarding this requirement will be available in the coming months.”

Everyone in attendance will have to have had their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine 14 or more days before the start of the Games.

“The Saskatchewan Games Council is 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,” the release read.

“All considerations and protocols concerning the health and safety of Games participants are subject to change in the coming weeks and months as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.”

A negative COVID test will not be accepted because “the costs and logistics around ongoing rapid testing and monitoring are prohibitive,” the release said.

The 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the biennial Saskatchewan Games program, are set to be hosted in Regina and surrounding area Feb. 20-26.

The Games will see participation from upwards of 1,800 youth athletes, coaches, and officials from across the province in 17 different sports, including para-sport and Special Olympics events.