January 29, 2021
Release from the Games Manager
January 29, 2021: Lethbridge 2021 Alberta Summer Games Cancelled
The Lethbridge Alberta Summer Games Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Alberta Summer Games.
After consultation with health officials, the City of Lethbridge and the Alberta Government, the Games Society made the decision to cancel the Games based on the health and safety of the participants, spectators, volunteers and residents of the City of Lethbridge. The games were originally scheduled for July 2020, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the continuing concerns surrounding COVID-19 in Alberta. The ability to stage a safe, responsible and meaningful event was not possible.
“We recognize this cancellation is frustrating and disappointing news for athletes, coaches, officials, parents, partners, sponsors and our volunteers. The Covid-19 pandemic continues with so much uncertainty making this decision exceedingly difficult. I commend our Board for their resilience and the desire to continue when we announced the postponement last March, we were preparing a modified Games for this summer but our vision for a memorable event has been met with many roadblocks and concerns.” – Rick Blakeley, President Lethbridge Summer Games Society
COVID-19 has had a tremendously negative impact on sport, physical activity and recreation in Alberta. I share the disappointment that our athletes and their parents, coaches and officials will feel at this news. I recognize the difficulty the board and the city faced in making this decision. I would like to thank Mayor Chris Spearman and Mr. Rick Blakeley, the games host society president, for their leadership, and the games society members and all volunteers who put in countless hours in planning and organizing for both the original and rescheduled events. – Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
“While this news will certainly come as a disappointment to all those involved, I commend the organizers for making the tough decision in order to put health and safety as the top priority. Maintaining the health of the athletes, volunteers and the communities participating is paramount. We look forward to hosting the Alberta Summer Games again at some point in the future.” -Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman
For media inquires, please contact:
Steve Dudas
Games Manager
403-635-1301
To see the release on the Alberta Summer Games website, click HERE
To learn more about the Alberta Summer Games program, go to our BEACH > YOUTH > AB Summer games page, click HERE
