Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow, announced steps to improve safety for athletes in combative sports following the recent death of Trokon Dousuah and the release of recommendations from a public fatality inquiry into a 2017 incident.Dousuah’s death after a combative sport competition has sparked renewed focus on safety measures in the sport. “The recent death of Trokon Dousuah is tragic. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and community,” Schow said in a statement.The announcement follows the November 5 release of a public fatality inquiry report into the 2017 death of Timothy Hague, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a match. The report included recommendations for enhancing athlete safety, which Schow said are under careful review.Currently, Alberta is the only province where municipal governments sanction combative sports. Schow indicated that the government is considering the creation of a provincial combative sport commission to standardize safety protocols.To spearhead this effort, Victor Cui, a seasoned executive in combat sports and former CEO of the Edmonton Elks, will lead engagements with Alberta’s municipal combative sport commissions. Cui’s global experience, including co-founding ONE Championship, a martial arts organization, positions him to identify gaps and opportunities in the province’s current framework.Schow emphasized the importance of ensuring athletes can compete safely and fairly. “Everyone should be able to compete fairly and safely in the sports they love,” he said.The first meeting with municipal commissions is scheduled before Christmas, with ongoing collaboration expected in the coming months to shape the province’s approach to athlete safety.
Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow, announced steps to improve safety for athletes in combative sports following the recent death of Trokon Dousuah and the release of recommendations from a public fatality inquiry into a 2017 incident.Dousuah’s death after a combative sport competition has sparked renewed focus on safety measures in the sport. “The recent death of Trokon Dousuah is tragic. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and community,” Schow said in a statement.The announcement follows the November 5 release of a public fatality inquiry report into the 2017 death of Timothy Hague, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a match. The report included recommendations for enhancing athlete safety, which Schow said are under careful review.Currently, Alberta is the only province where municipal governments sanction combative sports. Schow indicated that the government is considering the creation of a provincial combative sport commission to standardize safety protocols.To spearhead this effort, Victor Cui, a seasoned executive in combat sports and former CEO of the Edmonton Elks, will lead engagements with Alberta’s municipal combative sport commissions. Cui’s global experience, including co-founding ONE Championship, a martial arts organization, positions him to identify gaps and opportunities in the province’s current framework.Schow emphasized the importance of ensuring athletes can compete safely and fairly. “Everyone should be able to compete fairly and safely in the sports they love,” he said.The first meeting with municipal commissions is scheduled before Christmas, with ongoing collaboration expected in the coming months to shape the province’s approach to athlete safety.
