Submitted by Jo Malisani on
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented impact on sport around the world. Over the last six months, TUC was forced to cancel the remainder of the Winter 2020 season and offer reduced Summer and Fall outdoor offerings (first with clinics, and then with small leagues). Also, Fall Indoor and Winter Indoor are anticipated to be run at a reduced capacity (if they even go ahead, given the anticipation of further restrictions). With a vast majority of the organization’s revenues generated through league/program fees, the organization is in a challenging financial situation.
To navigate these financial challenges, TUC has used the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA), and has drawn on financial reserves. Many amateur sport organizations across Canada, Ontario and Toronto have similarly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and while some organizations have received direct financial support through Sport Canada, and/or through their Provincial Ministry of Sport or Provincial Sporting Organization, TUC is unfortunately not eligible to receive these funds.
With the CECRA and CEWS programs winding down, uncertainty around the community's comfort level regarding return to team sports as well as public health restrictions ebbing and flowing with respect to team sports, the organization has made the difficult decision to reduce the number of permanent paid staff by 66%. The staff has been transitioning out over the past few weeks and will continue to do so till the end of October.
As we move forward, TUC will continue to work with the greater Ultimate community, as well as the general sporting community in Ontario and Toronto to support a return to play. Please continue to check the website and social media for upcoming communications.
“It is with great regret that we make this announcement today,” said Toronto Ultimate executive director Jo Malisani. “Our staff has invested so much into the growth and development of the sport and our community, and we thank them for their countless contributions.”
“With financial realities setting in and return to sport slower than anticipated, the Board of Directors had to make this difficult decision about staffing to ensure the long term viability of Toronto Ultimate Club,” said TUC president Chelsea Jackson. “Our staff are dedicated, hard-working professionals which made this decision extremely difficult. We want to extend our thanks to all our staff for their service. Your hard work and dedication have strengthened and enriched our Ultimate community."
For more information, please contact executive director Jo Malisani at ed@tuc.org.