New feature exhibit examines “When Sports Stopped”
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic Albertans have been adapting to one change after another with little idea when things will return to “normal”. We are living through a historic time. It began with the closing of museums, schools and daycares - forcing families to stay home and employers to accommodate employees working from home. Soon after we saw the closure of businesses and non-essential stores - once more pushing us to stay home and stay safe. Then came the cancellation of sports - from minor leagues where our children competed, to the professional leagues suspending play. This was a shock to our systems as we were gearing up for NHL and NBA playoffs and MLB pre-season games.
“I was just about to return to work from my maternity leave, when COVID struck and sports stopped. It made me stop and think about what other global events have caused sports to stop? If I was asking these questions than so were many other people.” Comments Breanna Suk, Collections and Exhibit Coordinator. “I came back to work in May with this exhibit already forming in my mind. It got pushed back as we had bigger priorities when I first returned, so seeing it all come together seven months later is a great feeling.”
This new exhibition examines the effects global events from the Spanish Flu through both World Wars and right up to COVID had on sports. It may seem likely that the postponement of the Utah Jazz - Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game just minutes before tip-off due to Rudy Gobert’s positive COVID test and the subsequent suspension of many professional leagues was a new occurrence. This exhibit highlights multiple past occurrences where international events have brought a stop to sport.
This exhibition is expected to be on display in the museum’s main gallery starting November 20, 2020. Be sure to stop in and see it for yourself.
-30-
For more information, please contact: Breanna Suk, Exhibits and Collections Coordinator, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame 403-341-8614 collections@albertasportshall.ca