The Wood Buffalo 2022 Arctic Winter Games have been postponed, it was announced Wednesday.

The Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) made the decision following discussions with the Wood Buffalo 2022 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Alberta government.

The Games, originally scheduled for March 6-12, will be rescheduled to a later date to be announced.

John Flynn, the president of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, stressed postponed does not mean cancelled; however, the Games will not start on their original date.

"We can't predict what is going to happen with the pandemic," said Flynn. "We don't want to say they are cancelled. We will continue to work with the Wood Buffalo Host Society and the Government of Alberta to see if and when it is possible to get going."

The Arctic Winter Games bring together athletes from the Circumpolar North – including teams from outside North America. Flynn said it is still unsure whether the federal government will have the borders open to international travel.

The announcement comes a year before the Games would be slated to start. Flynn said the AWGIC did not want a repeat of what happened to Whitehorse.

"A year out gives us time to see what it's like," said Flynn. "We don't want to have what happened in Whitehorse where they had the rug pulled out from them.

"That was devastating for the athletes who were ready to compete and had their uniforms."

The 2020 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse were the Games' 50th anniversary. On March 7, they were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flynn said he feels for all the athletes from the participating jurisdictions.

"I hope they know we agonized over this decision," said Flynn. "We feel for the athletes. The Arctic Winter Games are such a great event for sports and culture.

"When we can hold them again, they will be extra-special. I'm sure the athletes will be full of energy to go."

Melissa Blake, co-chair of the Wood Buffalo 2022 Arctic Winter Games, said the decision is supported.

"The Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games Host Society supports the decision of the AWGIC and understands the significant considerations involved in the planned postponement of the Games," Blake said in a release.

"We would like to thank the community and our volunteers for their continued support as we prepare to welcome the Circumpolar North at a later date. As a Host Society, we will continue to collaborate with the AWGIC and our stakeholders to ensure a successful and safe event for visitors and the community."

Leela Sharon Aheer, the minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women, also supported the announced postponement.

"I share in the collective disappointment that will be felt by our athletes, coaches, officials, games organizers, and fans by this announcement," said Aheer. "The Arctic Winter Games International Committee and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Host Society had the unenviable task that so many event organizers are making in light of the continuing threat posed by COVID-19."

"We support their decision to keep the health and safety of the athletes and their communities as their primary focus. We also remain committed to working with the host society to ensure a safe and enjoyable Games in Wood Buffalo once new dates are established."

Although no decision has been made on new dates for the Games, the AWGIC and Host Society said they will continue to work diligently to determine an appropriate time for the Games to be rescheduled. They intend to announce the date in the near future.

Both organizations will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all participants while monitoring the global pandemic.