Endurance events across the country are in dire need of support in order to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions. We are asking all endurance sports organizers to come together so that we may make our case to the Government of Canada. You do not have to struggle through this alone.
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Events of all kinds are at the heart of every community. They instil a sense of civic pride and bring a welcome financial boost. Endurance events in particular also provide healthy activities and positive goals for Canadians. An estimated two million people attended an endurance event in 2019, and sports tourism is projected to grow 36% between 2019 and 2023. We encourage and nurture healthy lifestyles that culminate in life-changing experiences.
Endurance sports organizers, like many small businesses, are vital to the economy of Canada. According to the Economic Developers of Canada, small businesses account for 60-80% of job growth. Endurance events contribute an estimated $1 billion to the Canadian economy and employ tens of thousands of people. With restrictions on mass gatherings across the country, our industry was one of the first to be affected, and it will be one of the last to recover. Unlike traditional brick and mortar businesses, which can hopefully open in the coming weeks, endurance events rely on mass gatherings that will be restricted for the foreseeable future. This means that the negative effects will linger on for an estimated three years for those who are able to recover. Currently, many event organizers are on the verge of permanent closure as they cannot continue operations or shoulder the burden of early-season costs with no revenue. The financial crisis felt by the suspension of events includes not only event organizers but contractors such as photographers, caterers, digital service providers, rental companies, charities, and entire municipalities.
Canadian Endurance Sports Alliance (CESA) has formed with the goal of bringing together event organizers and service providers. We are independent operators but our unified voice will carry our message to the Government of Canada. We need support in order to remain viable as an industry. Work with us to mobilize our followers and other event organizers. By using our combined networks and influence, we will have an impact.
PRINCIPLES
CESA believes in the following principles, which outline the value of the endurance industry in Canada:
Endurance Sporting Events are critical to the health, wellness, and fitness sector in Canada, and provide opportunities for two million athletes of all levels.
The Endurance Sports Industry is an important economic driver, and the suspension of events will result in a financial loss to numerous charities and municipalities. The downstream impact affects sporting goods stores, fitness facilities, coaches and trainers, and countless service providers.
Endurance Event Organizers are committed to the safe, orderly and timely reopening of events and we will provide professional insight to the government, as well as collaborate on solutions.