The upcoming North American Indigenous Games in Halifax has been postponed until 2021 due to safety concerns around the novel coronavirus.

The games had been scheduled to take place July 12-18 in Halifax.

NAIG was expected to draw 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous nations.

Athletes were scheduled to compete in 16 different sports across 21 venues.

In a press release, games organizers say they will now work with existing athletes and the host city as part of planning a 2021 event.

(PHOTO: NAIG logo. Photo courtesy 2020 NAIG Facebook page.)