Cricket ACT will work with its clubs to map out the season ahead as officials hope a path out of lockdown will inspire cricketers stuck in suspended animation to return to play.
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Sport is closing in on a return to Canberra with the ACT government opening the door for the city's weekend warriors to end what will be a near three-month stint on the sidelines.
Organised sport will recommence from October 29 after the ACT government unveiled the territory's path out of lockdown on Monday.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has confirmed a number of staggered changes to the ACT's lockdown, beginning on Friday before further changes on October 15 and October 29.
Barr warned the territory faces hundreds of cases per day once restrictions are lifted, with health officials urging the public to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
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But the news of a return to sport will be welcomed by the likes of Cricket ACT and Basketball ACT as officials have dates to work towards as they ramp up plans for the 2021-22 season.
The cricket association's chiefs will now work with clubs in the coming days to then provide a clear indication of when games may begin, and what competition fixtures will look like when it does.
"It was extremely pleasing to see the phased return of community sport outlined in the plan. Whilst we understand this plan is subject to vaccination targets being met and future public health advice, Cricket ACT can now plan for the commencement of the cricket season with added confidence and excitement," a Cricket ACT statement said.
The government roadmap is a welcome sight for officials across a number of summer sporting codes, who will have wondered if the uncertainty would lead participants to opt against playing this season.
Sport has been shutdown in the capital since the ACT went into lockdown on August 12, denying winter codes the chance to complete their seasons when finals were within reach.
Queanbeyan field teams in Cricket ACT competitions but officials are likely to escape any major headaches on that front.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says regional travel and community sport are due to resume within weeks across the state, which would ideally see Queanbeyan align with the training schedules of Canberra-based clubs.
Gyms will reopen with strict COVID-19 safety requirements from October 15, with capacity limited to a maximum of 25 people at one per four square metres. Classes will not be allowed.
Gym classes will resume with a maximum of 20 people from October 29.
A roadmap to life after lockdown is also a boost for the city's winter sporting clubs, who can begin to craft pre-season training schedules with an eye on the 2022 season.
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