Organizers of the Saskatchewan Summer Games are working on contingency plans to keep athletes safe as extreme heat is expected to prevail throughout the Games.
Environment Canada forecasts a high of 31C for the opening ceremonies this Sunday and a scorching 36C on Tuesday with many outdoor activities taking place that day.
"Right now, we're implementing some contingency plans primarily around insuring there's adequate hydration and first aid protocols," said Games' co-chair, Wendy Plandowski on Thursday.
Plandowski says any modifications that have to happen to the sport schedule will be closer to the date.
"A lot of our venues on inside, so that's a positive," she said.
There will be little escape from the heat for the 2,000 plus athletes and coaches at the Games from July 21-27.
Basketball, volleyball, and swimming are indoors, but other sports like baseball, softball and golf will be held under the sun.
"At this point, we haven't implemented any changes to the schedule, but we will be monitoring it on a day-by-day basis in consultation with coaches and mission staff if we have to do something like that," said Plandowski.
She says she there are enough facilities in the community to do some modifications if they have to.
"The care and comfort of the athletes is our number one concern, we just want to make sure everyone's safe," said Plandowski. "We'll muster through the heat as much as we can."
Bottled water and drinks will be in abundance at every venue.
"We've got tremendous sponsors from the community, so we'll make sure everyone well hydrated," said Plandowski.
Beach volleyball is one of the sports that will be closely watched due to the extreme heat.
"We would look at it in the latter part of the week. Those beachball players are pretty resilient and there are short games," said Plandowski.
"Beach volleyball players can cool off in the college if they want to. So that's one of the nice things with our venues. We have lots of facilities adjacent that athletes can get out of the sun."
Read More: Bioclean Aquatic Centre adjusts hours during 2024 Saskatchewan games
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