Dear Members,
Once again, I am reaching out with an update regarding club operations and current communal status which influences our short-term and long-term plans.
The scope of the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to evolve worldwide and has a heavy impact in our community. I trust all members and their families are staying safe and supportive of each other, lending a helping hand to those who have limitations, and thankful to those who are working on the front line. Each day the updates on a municipal, provincial, and federal level continue to change with extensions to closures, additional precautions, and strategies to remain healthy and safe during this time of uncertainty.
Please stay up to date with announcements and information that is shared on the public health websites.
Canada Public Health & Canada COVID-19 Support App Now available
With the closures of specialized training facilities now extending to open city park grounds and public spaces it adds to the challenge of remaining active and consistent in training, especially with the improvement in weather that will only lure more people outdoors. As a club we advise all members to continue to follow the public health recommendations in maintaining physical distancing by staying home, communicating with friends, family, teammates, and coaches via phone or video chat.
Coaches continue to share material, training plans, and workouts that can be done on your own or at home but will not be meeting for official practices until it is safe to do so. If meeting with teammates for a run or workout they are to be in groups of 5 or less, avoid physical contact, avoid the sharing of objects, and keep a space of 2m (hockey sticks length) between each other. Send videos and pictures in to our social media platforms and we can share. Club standout, Tim Nedow has been featured getting work done at home on the official Olympic Instagram and twitter account multiple times. We can all make it happen with some creativity and consistency.
A club Strava account is active and will allow all athletes to follow along with the training of their teammates and even post challenges to stay sharp and motivated during this period of isolation. Join in!
The extension of school closures going into May will result in the cancellation of our remaining programs and events held at the Louis Riel Dome. The extension also resulted in the cancellation of all school Spring sports and championships (including OFSAA Track and Field). Given the situation we will cancel the hosting of our Outdoor High School Series (Raven Relays, uOttawa Invitational, National Capital Classic).
The start of our outdoor Spring programs will be postponed until Public Health Officials and the City of Ottawa deem it appropriate and safe to gather in groups. We have put a pause on all registration for programs taking place in the Spring and Summer (including Camps). Consideration is being taken to merge the Spring and Summer programs when and if we are capable of returning in a timely manner, however, due to the fluidity of the situation and constant changes we will provide updates on potential mergers as we approach the start dates.
The current competitive season outside the school system is uncertain. Major events world-wide have been cancelled or postponed (Olympics, Paralympics, u20 World Championships, Pan-Am Combined Events), this has also resulted in the cancellation of the u20 Canadian Championships/Tokyo Olympic Trails, Canadian Combined Events Championships, Canadian 10,000m Championships, Ottawa Marathon, World Masters, Canadian Masters, and Ontario Masters. Organizers of the Legion National (u18) Championships are currently evaluating the scenario and look to decide on whether they will take place this year or not. All Provincial events have been cancelled or postponed up to the start of June. Provincial age class Championships may be shifted to August or even early September to allow for the return and implementation of a safe and progressive training setting.
Keep up to date on the notices that affect the Track and Field world with Athletics Ontario’s COVID-19 Resource Board.
Please continue to take care of yourselves and be supportive of each other during this difficult time.
Richard Johnston
Acting Executive Director