The Impact of Wildfires on Manitoban Youth Sports
As Manitoba grapples with increasingly severe wildfire seasons, local sports organizations are voicing concerns about the future of young athletes. The growing frequency and intensity of wildfires pose threats not only to health but also to the very fabric of outdoor sports, which are vital for youth development.
A Personal Experience
Frankie Appelmans, a member of Team Manitoba competing in sailing at the Canada Summer Games, recently experienced firsthand the fear associated with nearby wildfires. While sailing, Frankie noticed a plume of smoke about 10 kilometers away that rapidly transformed from a small puff into a threatening cloud. “At first, it was just a small puff. We thought it was like a bonfire,” he recalled. But as the smoke thickened, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to apprehension.
His coach, Jackie Spear, echoed Frankie’s sentiments. She remarked that the air quality in St. John’s abruptly deteriorated, bringing back memories of Manitoba’s own poor air quality during past wildfire seasons. “By the next day, there were evacuation notices,” she explained, describing how the situation forced the cancellation of the second day of sailing events to ensure the safety of residents.
Wildfire Woes Across Canada
The summer of 2023 has not only affected Manitoba but also Newfoundland and Labrador, which is experiencing a catastrophic wildfire situation reminiscent of significant fires from the past. Manitoba is currently facing its smokiest season on record, with air quality levels in cities like Winnipeg plummeting to some of the worst globally. As monitoring indicates, this trend is likely to worsen; conditions fostering wildfires are anticipated to become “more frequent, subtle, and hazardous,” indicating a new normal that communities will have to grapple with.
Recreational Youth Sports in Crisis
Outdoor recreational leagues for youth are finding themselves in unprecedented turmoil. Poor air quality has led to the delay, postponement, or outright cancellation of numerous events. Héctor Vergara, executive director of the Manitoba Soccer Association, highlights the significant challenges faced by organizations responsible for over 25,000 registered players and 900 youth soccer teams. He noted, “There’s a huge operational struggle to coordinate and organize sports due to the wildfires,” emphasizing the impact on safety and the need for decisions to be made concerning air quality.
The summer of 2023 marked the first time in many years that air quality considerations became a priority for sports organizations, with safety protocols being urgently assessed. Janet McMahon, president and CEO of Sport Manitoba, noted that air quality levels above a seven on the index pose serious health risks, meaning even outdoor exercises should be halted.
Long-term Health Concerns
The implications go beyond immediate cancellations; experts are raising concerns about the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke on youth. Studies indicate that early-life exposure to such pollutants can lead to diminished lung function in children, alongside other respiratory and immune challenges. McMahon expressed her worries: “Keeping people healthy and safe is our number one issue. This could have very significant long-term effects.”
Adapting to New Realities
As the repercussions of the current wildfire season unfold, Spear noted that training and event cancellations hampered preparation for competitions, such as the Canada Games. With the Gimli Yacht Club had to cancel the final day of the Sail West Regional Championships due to compromised air quality, the uncertainty looms large for athletes who invest so much time into their training.
The Canada Games serves as a critical stepping stone for many young athletes, providing pathways to international competitions. Unfortunately, with the increasing likelihood of having sports disrupted by air quality concerns, McMahon fears that families might gravitate towards indoor sports, fundamentally changing the landscape of youth athletics in Manitoba.
The Need for Support and Investment
While Team Manitoba was able to complete the remaining events of the Canada Games after disruptions due to air quality, the outlook remains uncertain. There is an urgent need for dialogue with provincial authorities about the long-term impact of wildfires on sports. McMahon stressed the importance of public investment in youth sports facilities, particularly to accommodate athletes in a shifting climate characterized by worsening outdoor conditions.
As communities reflect on the smoky reality of this summer, the future of outdoor sports for young athletes hangs in a precarious balance. The question remains whether this will truly be the pattern for summers to come, forcing athletes and organizations alike to adapt to an evolving climate.