Alberta Launches Review to Improve Athlete Safety in Combat Sports
Alberta’s minister of sport has announced that the province will be conducting a comprehensive review to enhance athlete safety in combat sports. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a fighter lost his life after an amateur MMA charity match outside of Edmonton.
Minister Joseph Schow Takes Action
In a statement released on Tuesday, Tourism and Sport Minister Joseph Schow expressed his commitment to meeting with the province’s municipal combative sport commissions to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. He also mentioned that recommendations will be reviewed to make combative sports safer for athletes.
Schow appointed former Edmonton Elks CEO Victor Cui to lead this engagement, citing his extensive experience in working with governments to establish combative sport commissions and enhance athlete safety.
Alberta’s Unique Position
It is noted in Schow’s statement that Alberta is the only province in Canada without a provincial commission for combat sports. As a result, the province will explore the necessary steps to establish one to ensure the safety and fairness of all athletes participating in combative sports.
Schow emphasized the importance of creating a level playing field for athletes and ensuring their safety while pursuing their passion for sports. He mentioned that the government will collaborate closely with provincial and municipal partners to determine the next steps in enhancing athlete safety in Alberta.
The first meeting to address these crucial issues is scheduled to take place before Christmas, indicating the urgency and seriousness with which the government is approaching this matter.
Tragic Incident Sparks Action
This announcement follows the unfortunate passing of Trokon Dousuah, a 33-year-old amateur MMA fighter who lost his life after a three-round bout at a community center in Enoch, a First Nation community located west of Edmonton. The event, organized by Ultra MMA, was halted immediately after Dousuah was carried out of the ring.
The incident has brought attention to the need for stricter regulations and safety measures in combative sports, prompting the Alberta government to take decisive action to prevent future tragedies.
Legal Expert Highlights Need for Regulation
In a recent interview, combat sports regulatory lawyer Erik Magraken described Alberta as the “wild west” of combative sports regulations. He pointed out that Dousuah’s death was the first MMA-related fatality he was aware of in Canada, underscoring the dangers associated with the sport.
Magraken emphasized the importance of government intervention in regulating combative sports to protect the well-being of athletes and prevent future tragedies. He stressed that it shouldn’t take a fatality for authorities to address the pressing need for stricter regulations and safety protocols in the industry.
Conclusion
The Alberta government’s decision to launch a review aimed at improving athlete safety in combat sports is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of all participants. By collaborating with industry experts and stakeholders, Alberta is taking proactive measures to address gaps in safety regulations and enhance the overall standards of combative sports.
FAQs
What prompted Alberta to initiate a review of athlete safety in combat sports?
The tragic death of an amateur MMA fighter following a charity match outside of Edmonton prompted the Alberta government to take action and prioritize athlete safety in combative sports.
What role does former Edmonton Elks CEO Victor Cui play in the review process?
Victor Cui has been appointed to lead the engagement with municipal combative sport commissions and provide his expertise in establishing regulatory frameworks to improve athlete safety in combat sports.