(Saskatchewan Health Authority/Twitter)

By Logan Lehmann

Wildfire smoke

Local sports feeling the effects from wildfire smoke

May 17, 2023 | 2:57 PM

Wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan have blanketed majority of the province with thick blankets of smoke, forcing some local sports organizations to postpone games and take precautions.

Among the organizations affected by the smoke is Prince Albert Minor Baseball, who suspended play for the second day in a row because of the air quality.

“We’re going to take it day by day and see what tomorrow brings,” said PAMBA President Duane Krip. “We’re in consultation with the organizers in the leagues in Birch Hills and Shellbrook and we all made the decision collectively. There’s the possibility of holding doubleheaders in the coming weeks ahead so we’re going to try and make (the games) up as best we can.”

It’s not just youth sports seeing change, but businesses too.

Cooke Municipal Golf Course has already seen some cancellations because of the air quality and Darcy Myers said if the weather persists, then they are expecting more people to call in.

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“It’s definitely had an impact,” he said. “We’re getting a few cancelations with some of the golfers and understandably so. If the wind shifts, things clear off and people still come play golf. If it stays like it is currently then we’re expecting more cancelations.”

The golf course is also set to host the Northern Team Championship this weekend where Myers said the smoke shouldn’t be an issue for the tournament. However, the idea of postponement or even cancellation isn’t off the table yet.

“It’s to be determined,” he explained. It’s a concern for the tournament, it’s a sold out event and we’d want to see it proceed but we want the golfers to be safe and comfortable as well. We’ve seen a few people wearing masks right now too which is another option. We’ll just keep an eye on the forecast and the winds, hopefully they change and we’re able to proceed.”

Other sports organizations feeling the effects are Prince Albert Minor Football, who say if the smoke and air quality warnings continue into tomorrow, practice will be cancelled for their peewee and bantam players. Prince Albert Youth Soccer also announced the cancellation of all U9 to U13 games on Wednesday, however U5 and U7 games are still going on as scheduled. Alongside baseball, Prince Albert Minor Softball has also canceled all Wednesday games.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann