Ottawa, ON— Lacrosse Canada announced today that a decision has been made to cancel the 2021 Mann Cup National Championship, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
This decision was made in consultation with the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) in Ontario and the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) in British Columbia. With directions from government and public health authorities, Lacrosse Canada, the MSL and the WLA confirmed the cancellation of the 2021 Mann Cup.
This news follows Lacrosse Canada’s decision two weeks ago to cancel nine of its National Championships.
The Mann Cup annually brings together the MSL and WLA senior A champions to compete for the championship title.
“The decision to cancel the Mann Cup this season was made with the support of the MSL and WLA,” said Shawn Williams, Lacrosse Canada President. “Lacrosse Canada has had to make the difficult decision to cancel most of our National Championships for a second year in a row. We encourage our lacrosse community to stay safe and focused on brighter days ahead.”
“While we know this is a huge disappointment for everyone involved in lacrosse — in particular, our players, coaches and dedicated fans — we are committed to doing our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and our primary responsibility is the health and safety of the competitors, volunteers and thousands of spectators who would contribute to the success of the Mann Cup,” said Paul Dal Monte, WLA commissioner. “This decision to cancel was not taken lightly and is a reflection of the gravity of situation the world, including the world of sports, currently faces.”
“We look forward to welcoming back lacrosse fans to the 2022 Mann Cup, which will be hosted in the East by the MSL champions,” said Doug Luey, MSL commissioner.
Lacrosse Canada would like to clarify that this decision is not a cancellation of the lacrosse season in Canada. With return-to-play or return-to-activity at different stages across the country, Lacrosse Canada’s member associations will decide the 2021 lacrosse opportunities based on provincial and health authority guidance.
Lacrosse Canada encourages everyone to continue following the health and safety guidelines in their provinces or territories.
About Lacrosse Canada
Founded in 1867, Lacrosse Canada is the governing body responsible for all aspects of lacrosse in Canada. Our organization is comprised of 10 Member Associations representing nearly 85,000 individual participants, including coaches, officials, and athletes of all ages and abilities. Lacrosse Canada’s mission is to honour the sport of lacrosse and its unique nation-building heritage, by engaging our members, leading our partners, and providing opportunities for all Canadians to participate. Lacrosse Canada oversees the delivery of numerous national championships and the participation of Team Canada at all international events sanctioned by World Lacrosse. Lacrosse Canada is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values, including our corporate partners - NormaTec Recovery Systems, RockTape, OPRO, Canadian Red Cross, Westjet, and Baron Rings - as well as our funding partners the Government of Canada, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation.
For more information, please contact:
Jane Clapham
Executive Director
Lacrosse Canada
Email: jane@lacrosse.ca