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COVID-19 UPDATE May 29th

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Dear Members,

With the combined efforts of the Track and Field community we have reached another pinnacle step for our return to play.

As you are aware, we are in a very fluid situation and we have a long road ahead in order to return to normal.

On Friday May 29th, Athletics Canada released their recommendations (Back on Track) for member clubs, athletes and coaches to follow as we continue to navigate through the next stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before and after reading the guidelines, it must be emphasized that each province is in a very different state and our respective municipality will also be taking its own precautions to mitigate the risk of a future spike in COVID-19 cases.

It is with the “Back on Track” recommendations, Athletics Ontario’s addendum and the consistent work with the City of Ottawa that we continue to asses our current operations and plan our staggered return to programming.

At this time, I ask all members and partnered programs to refer to the links below for a forecast of what is coming. Please keep a close eye on the Ottawa Lions website & social media outlets for an announcement on the club’s policy and plans to return to official practices.

For now, training is to continue individually or in a small group (5 or less) capacity until further notice.

Athletics Canada “Back on Track”
Athletics Ontario “Return to Play Update”

Keep safe and healthy, do not hesitate to visit any of these helpful COVID-19 resources:

Public Health Agency of Canada
Province of Ontario Resource Page
City of Ottawa Resource Page
Ottawa Public Health

Sincerely,

Richard Johnston
Acting Executive Director

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COVID-19 UPDATE May 14th

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Date: May 14th, 2020
Reference: COVID-19 Update

Dear Members,

As we continue to play our respective roles in stabilizing the spread of COVID-19 I know we all eagerly await the opportunity to be back at the track. With that being said, there are a lot of moving parts that need to come together for us to begin the post lockdown normal. We continue to see plans slowly roll out across the world and we must respect that each municipality, province, and country will have their own process during this transition out of emergency. Today the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced that we are heading into the next phase of easing restrictions for certain businesses and seasonal recreation/sporting activities (Track and Field included).

Our current scenario sees us maintaining unofficial training and physical activity as individuals or small groups (5 or less) in accordance with the recommendations implemented by Public Health Officials, the Province, and the City of Ottawa. With parks, greenspace, and beaches now accessible to the public and to be enjoyed for small, low-key activities this opens the door to
include more variety and training options as we prepare for a return to play/train phase in athletics.

The recent announcement is encouraging news as I know we are all anxiously awaiting a return to training and eventually competition. Again, with that being said, not everything will happen at once. Ongoing discussions are taking place between the City and the Club in planning our return in a safe and appropriate manner. At this time, the City (in regards to the Terry Fox
Athletic Facility) is not prepared to open.

The Ottawa Lions are dedicated to the health and safety of its members, coaches, officials, and stakeholders. When the time comes, we will begin to phase back into our programs with the guidance and recommendations of Public Health Officials, the City, and sport experts. We will continue to communicate with our members when these steps are in place.

Please take care and continue to be supportive of each other as we head into the next period of these unprecedented times.

Sincerely,

Richard Johnston
Acting Executive Director

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April 3rd COVID-19 UPDATE

by COVID
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.
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
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March 17th COVID 19 Notice

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Dear Members
This is a follow up to the notice sent out on Friday afternoon.
I trust everyone has been keeping up with the news and understand the scope of the situation we are in regarding COVID-19. While the scenario rapidly evolving each day I want to emphasize the precautions that have been put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on a local, provincial and federal level.
Social distancing is one of the key themes being advised, however, this does not mean social isolation. While everyone has a different arrangement at home, be sure to maintain communication with friends, family, teammates and coaches.
While specialized training facilities continue to close, there are countless ways to maintain fitness and build towards the outdoor season for when it comes. Consistency in training will be key. Moderation is advised if you are not use to training outdoors in the cooler weather (dress accordingly). Softer surfaces are better than the roads but manage the workload on the roads if you must. Finally, balancing volume and intensity of training sessions until back to a normal track and field setting.
While no official Lions practice will be taking place until further notice there is a low risk when meeting in small groups. Please give each other space and avoid skin to skin contact (handshakes, high fives, even with gloves) and follow the public health tips if you are in social settings.
Please take care of yourselves and feel free to reach out to me if you need anything.
Richard Johnston
Acting Executive Director
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Ottawa Lions COVID-19 Advisory

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Date:                   March 13th, 2020
Reference:         COVID-19

 

Dear Members,

In the past 48 hours a lot has transpired across North America. A series of reactions in the professional, educational and athletic world have been made in response to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada and the United States.

While no cases of Coronavirus have been identified within our club and affiliate programs we are heavily influenced by the actions of the Ontario School Boards, Athletics Canada, City of Ottawa, Carleton University and University of Ottawa.

Along with the schools in Ontario, we have been notified that the Louis Riel Dome will be closed starting at 6:00pm March 13th through to at least April 5th. We understand the inconvenience this poses for training plans and programming but we must respect the severity of this situation and follow the recommendations by public health officials, “social distancing” is an effective means of protecting our members, coaches, staff and parents from infection.

As of March14th we will cease official practices until the appropriate time (tentatively April 6th) and continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation. As we learned on Thursday March 12th, the outlook on Coronavirus can take a dramatic turn and if the situation continues to evolve we will provide updates.

Please remember that the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus is:

  • Keep hydrated.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Cover your face with tissue or arm when coughing or sneezing (not your hands).
  • Seek medical care if symptoms are beyond mild.

For more information regarding COVID-19 please visit Ottawa Public Health

Please take care and we look forward to seeing everyone back at the track in less than a month’s time.

Richard Johnston
Acting Executive Director