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Ministry of Health confirms kids in organized sports won’t have to show proof of vaccination

September 16, 2021

Teens involved in sports won’t have to show proof of vaccination to play.

That according officials from the Ministry of Health.

Starting Wednesday, Ontarians will have to show proof of vaccination to dine indoors, go to bars and night clubs, concert halls, theaters, and arenas.

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association decided in early September that all players over 12 would need to be vaccinated to play. But when the rules around vaccine passports came out, teens at sporting venues won’t be required to show proof of vaccination to play.

“Participating in sport has well known health benefits, including promoting both physical fitness and mental wellness. We do not want to introduce any new obstacles for children and youth to safely return to sport,” says Christian Hasse, a media relations officer for the Ministry of Health.

“For those reasons, children and youth under 18 will not be required to show proof of vaccination to enter the indoor areas of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, in accordance with guidance published by the Ministry of Health on its website.”

That includes teens involved in hockey and other sport leagues, organized pickup sports, dance classes, martial arts and swimming classes.

Teens will be required to show proof of vaccination to watch sports, go to weightlifting rooms, or

Some parents who had already voiced concern about the leagues policy are now calling for the OMHA to reevaluate the plan to have all teens in minor hockey vaccinated.

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