Statement | 2020 Nationals Postponed
March 12th – DC President Duane Wysynski, the Board of Directors of Dodgeball Canada, and Dodgeball Edmonton’s Event Committee postponed Nationals 2020 scheduled to take place April 10 – 12 in Edmonton, AB. This decision is based on the province of Alberta prohibiting public gatherings of 250 or more people, including sports events and concerts, in an effort to slow down COVID-19.
Both Dodgeball Canada and Dodgeball Edmonton are committed to seeking a new date later in the year and will have an update for the public by March 31st.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of all our community members across the country. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt across the world and the precautions taken by local government, professional sporting organizations and businesses are extreme measures to slow down the spread of the virus. Although we wish we could proceed with our event, we respect the precautions put in place by the provincial government. On behalf of Dodgeball Canada, I want to thank our organizers, athletes, coaches and staff for their patience. We will immediately turn our attention to planning a new date for Nationals and we will share that information once it’s been decided.” – Duane Wysynski, President of Dodgeball Canada
In the meantime, all athletes, coaches and staff have been advised to hold on cancelling their itineraries (including travel and accommodations) until the new date has been confirmed in an effort to avoid cancellation costs.
With Nationals postponed, Dodgeball Canada will also be reviewing the National Program selections process.
“I echo Duane’s comments about the importance of the safety of our players, coaches and staff across Canada. I also share in everyone’s disappointment regarding the postponement of our beloved Nationals and look forward to it continuing later on this year. Contingency plans and recommendations surrounding 2020 National Program selections will be formally shared with the Board of Directors this weekend. I suspect a decision will be made by early next week and more information will be communicated via our website and Facebook shortly after.” – Victor Gravili, Head Coach of Team Canada
Dodgeball Canada strongly recommends to all their provincial and league partners to practice social distancing to help flatten the curve and help contain the further spread of the virus.
Dodgeball Canada will make all information known as it becomes available.
For more information please visit dodgeballcanada.org or contact communications@dodgeballcanada.org. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dodgeballcanada