Photo courtesy of Southern Alberta Summer Games / Facebook

By Scott Roblin

Games Axed

2021 Southern Alberta Summer Games officially cancelled

Feb 12, 2021 | 4:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The 2021 Southern Alberta Summer Games have been cancelled, which were to have been held in Medicine Hat this July.

In a press release on Friday afternoon, the Southern Alberta Recreation Association confirmed that the 2021 Games have been axed due to the ongoing restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Town of Claresholm was originally slated to host the 2021 edition of the event, however the City of Medicine Hat reportedly stepped up in the interim when Claresholm determined it would not be in their best interests to host back in the fall.

SARA chair Adam Grose said in a statement that it’s another tough blow to the games, which were also cancelled last year.

“This decision was made with a heavy heart after a year of disappointments,” said Grose. “This is the second cancellation in our 52-year history of the Games, both due to this ongoing pandemic.”

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The release went on to say that the impact leaves many southern Alberta communities in uncertain territory and planning for major events is not feasible at this time.

Hundreds of athletes from across 13 communities in southern Alberta take part in games every year, with the goal of next holding the event in July 2022.