Cancelled: 45th National Youth Track and Field Championships

Annual event eclipsed by COVID-19 pandemic for second year

OTTAWA, ON, 2 March 2021 – The Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships have been cancelled for the second year in a row, due to the pandemic. The 2021 event was originally scheduled to take place in Sherbrooke, Quebec from August 6-8.

“We know it is disappointing for many youth and coaches who have  continued to train and anticipated that perhaps the games could go ahead this year,” says Dominion President Thomas D. Irvine, CD. “Unfortunately,
we had to make this decision since we remain in the midst of a pandemic and the safety of all participants is our priority.”

Event partners have been made aware of the joint decision by the Legion’s Sports Committee and the Dominion Executive Council, to hold off for another year.

“It is with great sadness that we decided to cancel, however it’s our responsibility to protect our youth,” says Brian Weaver, Dominion Vice
President and Sports Committee Chair. “We knew they might be some of the last to be vaccinated, and large gatherings are still not advised or permitted. We sincerely thank all of our Provincial Commands, our sporting partner organizations and communities across Canada for their collaboration to date.”

The annual sporting event attracts 700-1000 competitors in the under 16 and under 18 categories and is the only youth national track and field championships of its kind in Canada. Athletes compete in a wide range of running, jumping and throwing events.

Chosen cities typically host the games for two years in a row and next year’s 2022 Legion Nationals are scheduled to take place in Sherbrooke, Quebec as well. Due to two years of cancellation, Sherbrooke will host the following: