By Candice Zhang

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) announced on October 15 that all sanctioned varsity sports competitions are cancelled for the Winter 2021 semester due to increasing COVID-19 cases, online-learning delivery, and sports restrictions. The decision will affect 27 member schools, including George Brown College (GBC).

“The health of the entire OCAA membership and our participants remain our top priority, and we empathize, understand, and share the deep disappointment this especially causes for our winter sport student-athletes,” said McFadden.

Although student-athletes will not be able to participate in sanctioned varsity competitions next semester, they may still be able to participate in alternative options depending on the protocols.

Photo: Philip Iver/ George Brown Athletics & Recreation

According to the press release, “Some OCAA member schools may still allow for unofficial sports opportunities in their facilities within the parameters set forth by governing sports organizations and local health officials.”

The decision on whether campus-related sports events will exist is entirely up to the institution’s discretion.

Chris McGrath, the vice-president of student success, said in a student-wide email that virtual activities will occur next semester and on-campus recreation programs will eventually resume once the pandemic dissipates.

“Our team is working to provide you with virtual programming,” said McGrath in the email. “As now more than ever our mental and physical health are so important.”