Due to concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the 2020 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, which were scheduled to be held in Bay Roberts from August 15-22, are postponed.
Because of the current Public Health State of Emergency, all sport facilities are closed, athletes are not able to train in the regular way, play downs are not happening and teams cannot be selected.
The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has consulted with the Town of Bay Roberts, the 2020 Games Host Committee and SportNL, and there is mutual agreement that the Games should be postponed.
The Provincial Government recognizes that athletes, sport organizations, sponsors and others may be disappointed by this decision, but we all appreciate that the health and safety of everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador is of the utmost concern as we all deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision is consistent with recent public announcements from other jurisdictions such as cancelling the Arctic Winter Games and the International Olympic Committee postponing the 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Summer Games in Japan.
For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
For general inquiries related to government services, please call 1-833-771-0696 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday or email covid19info@gov.nl.ca any time.
Quotes
“We recognize that this is disappointing for our young athletes, their coaches, families and supporters, because for many of you, the Newfoundland and Labrador Games represent the pinnacle of your achievements in sport to date. I want to assure you that we are continuing to work with the Host Committee, the Town of Bay Roberts and SportNL, and will work with our partners to reschedule the Games once our current health emergency is resolved.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The 2020 NL Summer Games Host Committee remains committed to delivering the most exciting and successful experience possible for our athletes and our community. We fully support efforts to protect the health and safety of everyone during this challenging time and will be working diligently with the Provincial Government, the Town of Bay Roberts and Sport NL to select a new date for these Games.”
Judy Morrow
Co-Chair, 2020 NL Summer Games Host Committee
“The Town of Bay Roberts shares the concerns of the Provincial Government and the Host Committee for the health and safety of everyone in our communities, and we agree that the best course of action at this time is to postpone the 2020 NL Summer Games. When this public health emergency is over, we will resume preparations for the Games in partnership with the Provincial Government and the Host Committee.”
Mayor Philip Wood
Town of Bay Roberts
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Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Judy Morrow
2020 NL Summer Games Host Committee
709-727-3773
judymorrow@nf.aibn.com
Philip Wood
Mayor of Bay Roberts
709-786-0204
pwood@nf.sympatico.ca