The annual Toonik Tyme festival has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

SA国际影视传媒淚t is out of an abundance of caution, and with much disappointment, that the board of 123 Go! has decided to cancel this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 event in light of the COVID-19 virus,SA国际影视传媒� said the statement from the Toonik Tyme organizers on March 14.

The number one priority is keeping the community healthy, stated the press release.

The 55th Toonik Tyme festival was scheduled from April 9-19 2020 in Iqaluit.

The festival is a celebration of Inuit traditions and the return of spring. It brings together crowds from all around Nunavut to play traditional games and participate in various sporting events. The Toonik Tyme hockey tournament is one of the many events that take place during this celebration.

Jonny Ehaloak, President of Iqaluit Hockey League, said, SA国际影视传媒渢he cancellation of the tournament is disappointing as it is always a fun event, but safety of players and fans comes first.

SA国际影视传媒淭here will always be next year for the tournament, and everyone understands that,SA国际影视传媒� he added.

Sheena Machmer, along with other Pangnirtung community members, has been working hard to raise funds for the minor hockey league to attend Toonik Tyme.

SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 nothing we can do, itSA国际影视传媒檚 better to be safe than sorry,SA国际影视传媒� said the mom in response to the cancellation.

Machmer said the plans are to continue raising funds, but now for next yearSA国际影视传媒檚 Toonik Tyme.

Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell expressed it was important to cancel the festival despite the financial impacts for the city.

SA国际影视传媒淪hutting down and making these precautions is really important, even though, letSA国际影视传媒檚 say, it is going to be a huge financial debt to the capital,SA国际影视传媒� said Bell.

He trusts the Government of Canada will provide as much support as possible to the citizens of Iqaluit.