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Guelph Games still on unless COVID-19 situation worsens

With over three months remaining until the event, the Guelph Games is still hoping to happen
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Dennis Thompson does some tricks with a soccer ball at the event launch for The Guelph Games in October 2019. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday file photo

Amid the COVID-19 concerns that have cancelled sporting events, concerts and conferences around the globe, the Guelph Games is still on unless the pandemic worsens in Guelph.

The Guelph Games is a masters sporting event that will see 1,300 athletes, family and friends come to Guelph from June 25 to June 28.

It is also one of the biggest gatherings planned for Guelph and the one closest on the calendar.

Athletes over the age of 30 compete in volleyball, soccer, athletics, basketball, slow pitch, ultimate Frisbee and pickleball at the University of Guelph and in the Downtown Guelph core. 

“Right now we’re monitoring the situation. We’ve got three and a half months untill our event so we’ll just keep tabs on what’s happening over the next little while,” said CEO Helen Stoumbos, adding that contingency plans are being discussed and they believe it is too early to make a decision to cancel the event. 

Chief marketing officer Mike Jean said they will monitor the situation and make a decision in a month.

“We're going to continue what we’ve been doing and that is to celebrate the whole sport for life movement,” said Jean. 

He said while the Guelph Games team is trying to create the biggest sports festival in the region that will draw thousands of people, they don’t want to do anything that jeopardizes anyone’s health. 

“It's always changing and it’s always moving and I think to make definitive plans at this moment is really hard to do,” said Helen Stoumbos.

“We’re going to do what’s best for the event, best for the athletes,” said Stoumbos adding that regardless of the event goes forward or not, the athletes will not be losing any money.

Stoumbos says while the health concerns are of the utmost priority, they hope concerns of the coronavirus decrease in three months’ time. 

“We’re keeping our fingers and toes crossed that things cool down,” said Stoumbos.


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Anam Khan

About the Author: Anam Khan

Anam Khan is a journalist who covers numerous beats in Guelph and Wellington County that include politics, crime, features, environment and social justice
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