Hurdles. © Can Stock Photo Inc. / jpavanHurdles. © Can Stock Photo Inc. / jpavan
London

Ontario Summer Games postponed until 2021

Like many sporting events across the country, the London 2020 Ontario Summer Games has become the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The London Games Organizing Committee announced on Monday that the 2020 Games will be postponed until 2021. The decision to put off the event until next year was made following weeks of consultation with a number of key partners.

“This was a difficult decision, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions around mass gatherings, it is one that needed to be made," said Bill Merrylees, chair of the London 2020 Ontario Summer Games, in a news release.

While details about next year's event have not been announced, the Organizing Committee said it is hopeful that dates, participant numbers and the sports will still remain the same.

The Ontario Summer Games was originally scheduled to take place from July 30 until August 2, and feature over 3400 youth athletes, coaches, and officials competing in 19 different sports across the city of London.

“While we are disappointed that the Games have been postponed, we know that it’s the right decision as the health and safety of athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, sponsors, and community is the top priority," said Zanth Jarvis, the director of sport tourism for Tourism London, in the release. "Although we’ll miss this event in 2020, we’re happy that it will still be hosted in London and look forward to its triumphant return in 2021.”

The city was expected to see a projected economic impact of more than $5 million.

For information and for the latest updates on the Ontario Summer Games in London, click here.

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