REGINA, SK (October 4, 2021) – In order to provide the safest possible environment for all participants, volunteers and attendees, the Saskatchewan Games Council and 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games Host Society will require that all individuals participating in or attending the 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games in Regina must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of the event. This requirement will extend to athletes, coaches, managers, mission staff, officials, volunteers, media, and event staff. All spectators over the age of 12 must also be fully vaccinated to attend.
Fully vaccinated refers to an individual for whom it has been 14 days or more after their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 immunization series or 14 days or more after their first dose of a single-dose immunization series. 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.
Given existing Health Canada authorizations, this requirement currently limits participation to only athletes aged 12 and over who are approved to receive a COVID-19 immunization series. 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. 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.
The Saskatchewan Games Council and 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games Host Society will continue to follow all other public health orders and recommendations as set out by the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Government of Saskatchewan.
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 from February 20th–26th, 2022. 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.