Throughout the last 2 years, the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of youth across the world. According to a study done by JAMA Pediatrics in August 2021, 25.2% of youth reported suffering from clinically elevated depression, almost double the reported rate of 12.9% before the pandemic.

During times of suffering, many youth turn to sports to distract themselves from the negative impact the world around them is having on their mental health. Taking youth out of sports will likely only further decrease the mental well being of youth around the globe.

It is also important to note that while the cases of COVID are rising due to the Omicron variant, majority of youth are either asymptomatic or report few, mild symptoms. In addition, locally within Manitoba, all youth hockey players aged 12-17 are required to have at least one dose of the vaccine, and high school sports requires all players to be fully vaccinated. All of these athletes are low-risk to severe symptoms of COVID due to their vaccination status and mask mandates are also enforced within dressing rooms and on benches while players are not participating.

Locally, within the Brandon School Division, as well as throughout Manitoba and the rest of North America, we ask that you strongly consider these statistics and the mental well being of the youth affected by any suspension of youth sports.

Let the kids play.