The ongoing pandemic has disrupted many events this year. Businesses have been closed, movement restricted, and other activities like sports have come to a standstill worldwide. With the new regulation of maintaining social distance, sports activities in Canada have also been affected.
As we cope with the pandemic, things are beginning to get back to normal, including sports events. Since crowding facilitates the spread of the coronavirus, there is no live spectating. Fans will have to watch games on television. But is it as satisfying as watching the games on the stand?
Stories from the World of Canadian Sports
As things get back to normal, we anticipate many significant sporting events in 2021, including the Canadian National Hockey League (NHL).
Many NHL teams are ready to begin the 2021 NHL season, including the Ottawa Senators. Read more on how the team has prepared itself for the upcoming season.
1. The Stanley Cup Play-Offs and Finals
The Stanley Cup (NHL) is one of the leagues many people look forward to in 2021. This year’s finals were supposed to be held in April, but unfortunately, the coronavirus kicked in before they started. So, the cup’s playoffs and finals dates had to get postponed.
Since the pandemic is still hitting the world, there will not be live spectating. However, the outdoor FanFest area will be available. Fans can walk in and watch the game on drive-in screens as they enjoy a bottle or two of beer in a beer garden.
There will be strict security to protect the players. The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto will be the starting point of the Eastern conference teams. At the same time, the Western Conference outfits will gather at the Rogers Place in Edmonton for their competition. The teams to make it to the finals will later play in Edmonton.
2. The Canadian Premier League Finals
Many of Canada’s top teams played so hard during the Canadian Soccer season to make it to represent the country in the upcoming season of the CONCACAF League. This event started in 2019, and at the end of the match, Forge FC won over Calvary FC, beating them with a score of 2-0.
The season was to begin in April, but it had to be postponed due to the coronavirus. This delay gives the players to prepare thoroughly, meaning there will be a lot of competition when the season starts. It is one of the most-watched sport in Canada. If you missed the 2019 season, you would not want to miss this coming one.
3. The Toronto Waterfront Marathon
It’s one of the biggest marathons in Canada that attracts over 2500 runners. The pandemic caused other events to slow down or get cancelled, and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon was no exception.
It was to happen in October, but the organizers had to change the protocols due to the pandemic. With Covid-19, 2020’s marathon was so different from the previous races, especially when it came to physical distancing during the race.
However, there was no live spectating due to the restrictions put in place to reduce the coronavirus’s spread. The sport happened virtually, and the runners had to choose the most convenient dates, starting from October 1 to October 31, 2020.
Since the arenas were empty, you could easily find the running or walking distances together with the finishing time on the website.
4. The Around the Bay Road Race
This road race in Hamilton is 30 kilometres long. It is one of the most historic long-distance running in North America, which started towards the end of the 19th century. The event was to take place in 2020, but due to Covid-19, it did not happen.
Many people anticipated the Around the Bay Race, and after it was announced, most of them registered. The event’s postponing should not be a worry to any registered candidate. The registered participants will still participate in the 2021 race without registering again.
5. The NBA Playoffs and Finals
You might be surprised to hear about basketball in Canada. It’s because basketball in Canada is not popular as in their southerly neighbour, the United States.
Canada puts her hope in the Toronto Raptors, who has held her pride and joy since the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001.
Toronto Pride is the most dynamic basketball team in Canada. The Canadian basketball game is one of the most-watched as it’s agile and involves spontaneous dances.
The season was to kick off in March, but this game will start later due to covid-19 and the social distancing rule. There will be no live cheering, but the games will be on the television for everybody to watch and celebrate with the winners.
6. Wheelchair Hockey
Wheelchair hockey is another exciting sport to watch, and if you have never watched it, you should set some time aside to do so. Canadians celebrate the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association because it shows that Canada is all about diversity and inclusion.
A group of teachers and social workers introduced electric wheelchair hockey in 1975. Since then, the sport has pulled many competitors and spectators all over the world.
The season was set to begin early this year, but the pandemic messed up the program. However, wheelchair hockey is back, and you do not want to miss it.
7. Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup
Bobsleigh is one of Canada’s most popular sports, drawing the country towards fame by winning four gold medals in 2014.
Canada is a consistent star player on the international Bobsleigh. They ranked the third position during the Olympic medal tables.
Every winter, the country participates in the world cup, which they win and proceed to the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships.
Final Words
Although the year 2020 was not the best for sports activities, we are thankful that the sport organizers are looking for alternative ways for spectators to enjoy the leagues. Most countries observe the social distancing rule to help curb the pandemic, and that’s why they do not allow live spectating of the games. Get ready for big moments i
