CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — UPEI student-athletes are expected to find out next week what alternative varsity programming will be available this fall.
The news comes a day after Atlantic University Sport (AUS) announced the fall season had been cancelled and no games would take place until at least January. A decision on winter sports will be made in the fall.
“UPEI recognizes how this decision will have a tremendous impact on all of our Panther student-athletes, and we are very proud of their resilience during this uncertainty,” Jackie Podger, vice-president of administration and finance, said in a statement issue Tuesday afternoon.
“We want to reassure them that, just as UPEI is pivoting and innovating to deliver academic programming in September, we are also adapting to continue to provide alternative varsity programming. UPEI athletics and recreation expects to have more information available to student-athletes by mid-June, which aligns with when they will learn about their respective academic programs.”
The AUS said alternative programming will be up to each university but noted it might include small group training intended to grow as restrictions are lifted, continued academic support for student-athletes, training and conditioning.
Universities are permitted to provide student-athletes with athletic financial awards (AFAs) this season, even if their sport isn’t played. UPEI has not said if they will provide those or if there has been any impact on staff due to the fall season being cancelled.
