(Ottawa, ON) – Following consultation with WCL’s medical team and the latest information from the national Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), all upcoming international sanctioned activities are being cancelled until further notice.

“Given the high transmissibility of the new Omicron variant, now the most dominant strain in Canada and other parts of the world, and its unknown effects over the long-term, as well as the risks associated with travel, we are not in a position to safely support our participants abroad”, stated Tamara Medwidsky, Executive Director. “While it is devastating to have to curtail activities again, the health and safety of all our participants remains our top priority”.

WCL had planned to participate in the Henri Deglane Grand Prix in Paris, France from January 20-23, 2022 and the Mateo Pellicone Ranking Series in Rome, Italy from February 03-06, 2022, but the increasing numbers of positive cases across Canada and abroad, makes it impossible to participate in a safe and responsible manner for all participants, including athletes, coaches, officials and other support staff.

WCL continues to monitor the situation and consult with the appropriate health authorities for the remaining events in the 2021-22 season, both domestic and international.

Participants should consult with their local public health authority and respective Provincial / Territorial Sport Organization for further guidance and questions on participation in activities at the local level.