NEWS | Nationals Rescheduled Until 2021
Today, the Nationals Committee and Dodgeball Canada have announced that this year’s National Championship will be rescheduled for 2021. With the unknowns surrounding travel and gathering restrictions in Canada, the decision was made to reschedule the event in the first half of 2021. A recent survey of our Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) found that the majority of provinces support this decision as it will allow them to plan their participation with more certainty.
“Protecting the health and wellbeing of our dodgeball community is our top priority. As our country continues the fight against COVID-19, we’ve had to make the tough, but necessary decision, to reschedule our beloved Nationals for next year. I want to thank Dodgeball Edmonton and their organizing committee for graciously agreeing to remain as hosts for 2021. I know they’ve worked hard to plan a great tournament and we’re elated that their efforts will come to fruition. We look forward to reuniting with our dodgeball communities across the country to play dodgeball when it is safe to do,” said Duane Wysynski, President of Dodgeball Canada
“Dodgeball Edmonton would like to thank the athletes, volunteers, and event partners for their continued support and open dialogue throughout this process. With the approval from Dodgeball Canada and the community at large, we are fully prepared to host Nationals in Edmonton in 2021, and will be using this time to ensure a safe and exciting dodgeball experience for our athletes next year. We are working closely with our event partners, venues, and Dodgeball Canada, and will relay tournament details as they are updated in the coming weeks and months. ” commented Paul Laking, co-owner of Dodgeball Edmonton, the organization taking the lead organizing the event.
The following news brings up several questions with respect to qualifications and the teams who are scheduled to compete at Nationals. Dodgeball Canada will be meeting with the PSOs in the coming weeks to discuss several scenarios and more information will be shared once available.
Additionally, the new date is likely to impact how the Canadian National Team selection will take place. Dodgeball Canada will be hosting a live Q&A via Twitch with Head Coach, Victor Gravili to answer questions on this topic on Tuesday, April 28. More details will be shared via social media.
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STATEMENT | 2020 Nationals Postponed
Today, DC President Duane Wysynski, the Board of Directors and Dodgeball Edmonton postponed Nationals 2020 scheduled to take place April 10 – 12 in Edmonton, AB. This decision is based on the province of Alberta prohibiting public gatherings of 250 or more people, including sports events and concerts, in an effort to slow down COVID-19.
Both Dodgeball Canada and Dodgeball Edmonton are committed to seeking a new date to take place later in the year and will have an update to share by March 31st. “Our number one priority is the health and safety of all our community members across the country. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt across the world and the precautions taken by local government, professional sporting organizations and businesses are extreme measures to slow down the spread of the virus. Although we wish we could proceed with our event, we respect the precautions put in place by the provincial government. On behalf of Dodgeball Canada, I want to thank our organizers, athletes, coaches and staff for their patience. We will immediately turn our attention to planning a new date for Nationals and we will share that information once it’s been decided.” – Duane Wysynski, President of Dodgeball Canada
In the meantime, all athletes, coaches and staff have been advised to hold on cancelling their itineraries (including travel and accommodations) until the new date has been confirmed to avoid cancelation costs. With Nationals postponed, Dodgeball Canada will also be reviewing National Program selections process. “I echo Duane’s comments about the importance of the safety of our players, coaches and staff across Canada. I also share in everyone’s disappointment regarding the postponement of our beloved Nationals and look forward to it continuing later on this year. Contingency plans and recommendations surrounding 2020 National Program selections will be formally shared with the Board of Directors this weekend. I suspect a decision will be made by early next week and more information will be communicated via our website and Facebook shortly after. "
Dodgeball Canada strongly recommends to all their provincial and league partners to practice social distancing to help flatten curve and help contain the further spread of the virus.
Ddodgeball Canada Expanding National Program Ahead of 2020
Dodgeball Canada is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the Canadian Dodgeball Federation (CDF) to unify the sport under one banner in commitment to the development of the sport nationally. After months of discussion, the board of the CDF voted in favour of joining Dodgeball Canada to consolidate operations and create a stronger voice for advocacy in Canada. The cloth program of the CDF will join the broader DC National Program. Both teams will compete under the DC banner representing Canada at the 2020 WDBF World Championship in Glasgow, Scotland.
Victor Gravili Extended As Canada's Head Coach
Victor Gravili has agreed to a new three-year contract with an option for an additional fourth year in 2024 to remain as Canada's head coach. The contract includes a compensation structure that is the first of its kind for Dodgeball Canada and comes with the intent of emphasizing the value of strong coaching with the hope of creating pathways for future coaches. ...
Get information about the National Program including players on the Team Canada squad, coaching staff, management team, sponsorship opportunities and information about the 2019 WDBF World Championship.
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