The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) has announced its winter sports championships and festivals have been cancelled.

The organization says it reached the “unfortunate decision” to cancel the events that were scheduled to take place in February and March.

It says a number of factors played into the decision including the late restart of school, the uncertainty of when school sports may resume and local public health restrictions which may prevent the hosting of OFSAA events in certain communities.

Sports that will no longer take part in a championship tournament or festival include alpine skiing, nordic skiing, snowboarding, basketball, volleyball, hockey and curling. Swimming and wrestling were previously cancelled with no host convenor in place.

“Despite this cancellation of February and March OFSAA events, we again wish to reiterate our continued support for sports and activity for the benefit of students’ physical and mental well-being,” said President Carolyn Chesney in an update on the OFSAA website. “School sports play a vital role in education and in the lives of students.”

St. Catharines’ mayor tweeted the news of the cancellation was a “big disappointment.”

“Every effort should have been made to allow young athletes to reach their highest potential,” said Walter Sendzik. “We have OHL players still playing & yet athletes that need these championships as spring boards to scholarships get bumped.”

OFSAA says it remains “optimistic” that spring events will move forward as scheduled.