Opening of sports fields and venues getting close

The City of Kelowna is getting ready for a return of sports this summer.

Several local sport clubs and adult leagues will restart in July, with registration for city sport leagues now open for select summer sports, in addition to sports field and arena bookings now being considered for dates as early as July 1.

“Local sport organizations are required to develop ‘Return to Sport’ plans for a safe, socially-distanced summer season,” said Doug Nicholas, Sport and Event Manager. “Player and staff safety are a top priority and sport plans will need to align with provincial and facility guidelines.”

The return of some outdoor sport activities is in accordance with B.C.’s Restart Plan. At the request of the province, viaSport has led the creation of Return to Sport Guidelines on how to resume sport while operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those interested in learning more about a return to sport in B.C. can join in on a virtual town hall hosted by PacificSport Okanagan on Tuesday, June 23 at 10 a.m.

More information about facility bookings is available online. Historical bookings made prior to the shutdown in March will be honored where possible and any new bookings will be considered based on availability.

In addition to the return of club programs, opportunities to register for adult outdoor leagues are now available with a handful of summer sports leagues in Kelowna’s Activity & Program Guide set to resume.

Various adaptations will be in place for all summer sports and participants are asked to review and follow COVID-19 safety guidelines specific to each league, outlined at kelowna.ca/sports. Modifications include staggered start times, limiting shared equipment and maintaining distance from other players where possible.