SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan Soccer Association announced on Saturday morning, May 31, that all Prairie Soccer League scheduled weekend games are cancelled due to the poor air quality.
The winners of each age group in the PSL — boys and girls U15, and boys and girls U17 — earn the right to represent the province in the Canada Nationals in October. Saskatchewan, represented by Saskatoon Alliance, are the reigning U17 boys national champion.
The games were supposed to be held at the Leibel Field in Regina between the FCR Blue Stars and Astras’ U15 and U17 boys’ teams. Similar matches were about to be played in Yorkton.
Ongoing forest fires in Northern Saskatchewan, coupled with similar incidents in Alberta and Manitoba, caused the air quality health index to exceed 10, according to Weather Canada.
SSA followed the air quality monitoring guidelines, suggesting that air quality in local fields should be monitored for awareness of potential health impacts.
“Based on the current AQHI readings and the forecasted AQHI, we will be postponing today's (Saturday) matches to a later date yet to be determined,” said SSA Events and Communications Manager Ryan Gibney.
"All games in Regina and Yorkton tomorrow (Sunday, June 1) will be postponed as Yorkton does not have an indoor facility and the Regina [indoor] facility does not have turf as there is a convention in the building. The air quality does not appear to be changing much. If today (Saturday) is any indication, the Environment Canada air quality forecast is not 100 per cent reliable."
The air quality index advises against strenuous physical activities, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions. Healthy individuals can also be affected during severe smoke events, where they experience shortness of breath, eye, skin and throat irritation. Individuals should monitor their condition if they exhibit some of these symptoms and, if necessary, seek medical attention.
Run For Regina, a separate event aimed at raising funds, was also cancelled on Sunday, June 1, due to the expected poor air quality.
As of Saturday morning, there were 16 active fires, with seven not contained and five contained. Officials are also assessing three, and one is protecting property.
