TORONTO - Ontario University Athletics (OUA), under the direction of its Board of Directors, has announced the cancellation of all OUA-sanctioned sport programming and championships up to December 31, 2020.

This decision was based on provincial public health guidelines and with the health and well-being of all OUA participants at the forefront.

Today's OUA announcement is in conjunction with a national level response from U SPORTS in which they have announced that all five fall national championships (soccer, field hockey, cross country, women's rugby, and football) have been canceled for 2020.

"Even though we will not have the opportunity to celebrate our student-athletes on the field during the first term, they remain at the heart of what our organization is about and we will continue to work toward achieving a safe return to play when the time is right to do so," said OUA President and CEO, Gord Grace.

Ryerson's Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation, Louise Cowin, said, "While this is absolutely the only decision that could have been taken, it is, nonetheless, deeply disappointing and a bitter pill to swallow for our student-athletes and varsity staff. While competitive play will not be possible in the fall, we're looking forward to being able to welcome student-athletes back to campus as soon as permission is given to 'return to train'."

The OUA remains hopeful that quality experiences for student-athletes can begin again in the new year, and the conference will be closely monitoring the ongoing health considerations and viability for these future opportunities. Condensed schedules for two-term sports (basketball, hockey, volleyball) is an option, pending a future announcement on the status of the winter term.

For more information, click here for the full OUA announcement and here for a list of FAQs.