OUR LEADERSHIP
OUR LEADERSHIP Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) competition will return this fall afAs seasons begin change, we are of whatglobal we are missing this terthe being paused for to over 500 days duereminded to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has autumn as the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association navigates its way been an unprecedented time of uncertainty for our members, their staff, coachthrough unprecedented period in our history. For many student-athletes, es, and this our student-athletes. coaches and administrators, the OCAA is not only a part of what we do, it’s a From of the shutdown in March, 2020, the OCAA and its members part of the whoonset we are. have been committed to be able to return to sports competition as soon as it wasover allowable under the respective regulations. the scenes, our team For five decades, post-secondary students Behind from campuses across the has worked tirelessly over the last 17 months planning our return to play. We province have come together to showcase their athletic skills in a variety of have always remained focused on providing valuable post-secondary sports sports. The OCAA’s suspend varsity and recreation activities opportunities for ourdecision studentsto and student-athletes. planned for the 2020 fall semester as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic was difficult,strategic but necessary, in that order tobeen protect theby health and well- I Due to the extensive planning has done our Association, am thrilled that daystudent-athletes, is on the horizon,coaches, with ourand fall outdoor sports beginning being of all of our staff. However, that doeson Sept. 17, and indoor winter sports in the year. not change theour feeling of sadness of notreturning playing that wenew know andTremendous share with thanks to the OCAA’s Senior Leadership Council and staff, our Board of Direcour members and especially our student-athletes. tors, and member institutions who have all worked incredibly hard to overcome numerous difficult challenges to make this possible. The OCAA is working hard and taking the necessary steps towards a safe return of intercollegiate as early asover January, 2021. The OCAA’s Senior stuWe know this season willsport be different. For five decades, post-secondary
dents from campuses across the province have come together to showcase their athletic skills in a variety of sports. But never Leadership Council and staff, our Board of Directors, and member institutions, have worked countless hours towards before had they had to experience vaccinations, testing and screening protocols prior to events. Student-athletes and coaches this endeavour. While we remain hopeful, the safety of the entire OCAA membership and our participants continues to have already endured a lot with no meaningful competition for most since the OCAA went dark. The privilege of being able to be our top OCAA priority. compete in the has never been more clear. The friendships, experiences and excitement that sports in the OCAA brings was dearly missed. On Sept. 17, the OCAA light will return as we open a new season. While challenges remain as the pandemic Whileto we lookaforward the future return we of sport, wecontinue wantedto towork taketogether this opportunity to look back on the past continues affect return totonormal operations, all must to make this season a success. The safety of the entire membership and our participants remains our top in priority. season with aOCAA new-look OCAA Media Guide & Directory. Included these pages are dozens of colour photos highlighting the athletic accomplishments and team successes from the 2019-20 season. As you look through these As we look forward the return we wantedthat to take this opportunity to and present an updated OCAAfor Media Guide & pages, I hope itto reminds youof ofsport, the excitement collegiate sport brings rekindles the passion when we take Directory. Included in these pages are dozens of colour photos highlighting the athletic accomplishments and team successes the field, court, course, and ice again. from the 2019-20 season. As you look through these pages, I hope it reminds you of the excitement that collegiate sport brings and rekindles the passion for what is about to take place over the next several months. The OCAA appreciates and is thankful for the continued support from our valued partners, many of which are featured in thisappreciates guide. I would like to for recognize and thank the Government of Ontario and the Ministry The OCAA andalso is grateful the continued support from our valued partners, many of which of areHeritage, featuredSport, in this Tourism, Industries forthank their the funding and support of ourand over student-athletes and 4,000 campus guide. I would and also Culture like to recognize and Government of Ontario the4,000 Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries for their funding and support of our over 4,000 student-athletes and 4,000 campus recreation participants. recreation participants. I am We looking to seeing the energy and passionthousands that our students bring to each sport and wish participating are forward proud that our Association supports of student-athletes, coaches and everyone officials made up of in the OCAA a safe and enjoyable season. A season that we are thankful that is finally here, and one that is appreciated by all different genders, religions and ethnic backgrounds, however, we also share a collective responsibility of eliminating those involved. systemic racism and discrimination in our society. We take this challenge seriously and look forward to announcing some initiatives towards this important endeavour in the near future. Respectfully,
Nathan McFadden OCAA President
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OCAA MEDIA IDE & DI EC O 2021-22 OCAA MEDIA GUIDE 2020-21 & DIRECTORY
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