The Canadian Armed Forces has cancelled the 2021 parachute team performance season as a result of public health and other considerations related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"The SkyHawks demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, dedication and teamwork through daring parachute performances at air shows, sporting events, and festivals across Canada between May and September each year," says a release.
The SkyHawks and Snowbirds have made numerous performances in North Bay over the years, most notably on Armed Forces Day.
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"Assembling the team is a complex and difficult endeavour. Team members are selected early in the year and undergo extensive training prior to the start of the season to ensure the highest level of professionalism and proficiency allowing them to perform complex parachute manoeuvres safely.
"The decision to cancel 2021 performances was made at this early juncture to provide prospective event organizers planning certainty and stability."
If safe to do so, the SkyHawks will look to resume parachute performances in 2022. It will be a landmark year as they celebrate 50 years of performances.
“The decision to cancel the SkyHawks season was a difficult one," said Major-General Michel-Henri St-Louis. " However, the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19 make this the correct decision at this time. We look forward to seeing the SkyHawks Canadian flag parachutes back in the sky once conditions allow."
The SkyHawks team was established in 1971. During the last 48 years, members have performed at more than 5,000 venues in Canada and around the world, while interacting with millions of spectators.
As specialists in Canopy Relative Work, the SkyHawks perform daring manoeuvres by bringing their parachutes in close proximity to each other. This style of parachute formation flying requires a high level of skill and physical fitness.
The SkyHawks team often features performers from all elements of the Canadian Armed Forces (the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command) and includes members from both the Regular Force and the Reserves.
The SkyHawks team has been based out of 8 Wing Trenton, for nearly 20 years and is part of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre.
