In the summer of 2026, young athletes from all over Ontario will gather in the Waterloo region to participate in the Ontario Summer Games.
This news was announced on Thursday morning in Waterloo by Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden.
“Our government is proud to support Waterloo region’s bid to host the 2026 Ontario Summer Games, and provide Ontario’s athletes with the opportunity to compete with their peers from across the province,” said Minister Lumsden.
“These games will attract thousands of visitors, driving domestic tourism to the region, boosting the economy and showcasing the fantastic attractions found throughout the area.”
The government has announced $1.6 million in funding for the games.
That money will be used for upgrading and improving some venues’ infrastructure, which local organizers plan to mark as a legacy of the games.
The Ontario Summer Games are held every two years. In 2024, 3,500 athletes took part in events held in London, Ontario. (Paula Duhatschek/CBC)
According to government estimates, this sporting event will generate around $6 million in domestic tourism revenue for the Region of Waterloo.
Planning for the Event Begins Now
Allister Scorgie is the director of sport hosting at Explore Waterloo Region and now chairs the organizing committee for these games.
He mentions that preparations for this event start right away.
“The most urgent thing that we need to do is bring people and experts in various fields on board. So bringing in people to handle medical services, security, transportation management, volunteers-that’s our top priority,” said Scorgie.
“And then this summer we’ll start meeting with all sports associations.”
Scorgie notes that the province’s ministry of sport will collaborate with provincial sports organizations to determine which teams will participate.
Before deciding on sports disciplines though, Scorgie hopes locals will sign up as volunteers for this big event.
“We’re going to need a ton of volunteers,” said Scorgie.
“So anyone interested in being involved with these games-whether it’s related to a specific sport or athlete housing or if you’re an athletic therapist wanting to assist with medical needs-we’re going to require many hands and many bodies to manage such a large event.”
People interested in volunteering can sign up at ExploreWaterloo Regionwebsite on their sport hosting page.
The 2026 Ontario Summer Games are set for July 30 through August 2 in Waterloo region.
Upwards of 4,000 youth aged between 12 and 18 along with their coaches, managers, families and other officials will come into town.
These games take place every two years; however this time around there’ll be 24 different sports including baseball, lacrosse soccer and rugby.
LISTEN | Ontario Summer Games coming to Waterloo region in 2026:
The Morning Edition – K-W5:31Ontario Summer Games coming to Waterloo region in 2026
Young athletes from across the province will visit Waterloo region for Civic Holiday weekend August during the year twenty-sixteen taking part within those competitions organized under auspices provided above mentioned Allister Scorgie’s direction indicating planning already underway.
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