B.C.'s All Native Basketball Tournament postponed as COVID-19 concerns create uncertainty

The 62nd edition of the All Native Basketball Tournament set to start on Feb. 12has been rescheduled amidCOVID-19 concerns.

The opening date of the tournament, which sees dozens of men's and women's teams from across British Columbia and parts of Alaska compete for a week every year in Prince Rupert, has been moved to March 27.

Tournament organizer Peter Haugan said a committee voted for the delay as the Omicron variant continues to contribute to high case counts. He said he has heard from teams who are relieved they don't have to decide yetwhether or not to participate.

"They want to have a tournament. They just want it to be a healthy environment," he said.

Last year, the tournament was cancelledfor the first time in its long history because of COVID-19 concerns, andHaugan is hopeful thatwon't happen again this year.

Provincial restrictions state that indoor events at venues, such as sports events, concerts, and movies, can operate at 50 per cent capacity. Attendees must show proof of vaccination and wear masks.

Prior to the pandemic, the tournament, which takes place at theJim CicconeCivic Centre,averaged around 5,000 fans a day.

Haugan said the tournament could survive at half-capacity, but may have to secure more sponsors to weather the financial hit. The tournament may also seekCOVID relief funding.

"We're impacted no different than the Canucks or the restaurants or what have you," he said. "Everybody has costs and if you have no way of generating the revenue, that becomes an issue," he said.

Corrine McKay, chief administrative officer of theGingolx Village Government whose team is participatingin the tournament,says she's happy with the postponement, although she is cautiously optimisticthe tournamentcan start on March 27.

"If we had 70 per cent double vaccinated with the booster shot by mid-year, we could see a turnaround in the pandemic, so it's quite possible," she said Tuesday to host Carolina de Ryk on CBC's Daybreak North. "It may not be enough time, but certainly something to work toward."