Province Supporting 15 Events that will Boost Local Economies and Support Athletes
The Voice of Canada News
Ontario is bringing more national and international sport events to the province that will create jobs, boost local economies and give athletes the chance to compete right here at home.
“Ontario is the best place to be an athlete and play sports. Through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program, our government is pleased to support 15 sport events to help our athletes develop their skills and boost local tourism,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport at the pre-game training for Team Canada’s Rugby World Cup Warm-Up Match. “It is anticipated that these events will generate a total of $26.5 million in economic activity.”
Some of the events coming to Ontario in 2019-20 include:
- 2019 Canadian National Olympic Trapshooting Championships, August 26 – September 1 (Innisfil)
- 2019 ITF2 Birmingham Wheelchair Tennis Classic, September 5 – 8 (Toronto)
- 2019 Ontario Open Judo Championships, November 8 – 10 (Toronto)
- 2019 ITF World Tennis Tour J3 Ottawa, November 9 – 16 (Ottawa)
- 2020 Canadian Olympic Wrestling Trials, December 6 – 8 (Niagara Falls)
- 2020 Canada Cup Freestyle Ski, January 16 – 19(Greater Madawaska)
- 2020 TISSOT UCI Track Cycling World Cup, and UCI Para Cycling Track World Championships, January 24 – February 2 (Milton)
“Applications for the program’s second intake are now open, and I encourage all eligible communities and organizations to apply,” said MacLeod. “World-class sporting events are a great way to showcase all that Ontario has to offer and a great opportunity to cheer on our top amateur athletes.”
The Intake II application period runs from August 23 to September 30.
Quick Facts
- Events supported through Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program have generated approximately $87 million in economic activity since the re-launch of the program in 2015.
- The Sport Hosting Program includes funding for a variety of winter and summer sports, and a legacy plan including sport infrastructure investment for the benefit of amateur sport in Ontario.
- The province is providing $798,372 for 15 events funded through the first intake of this year’s program — these events are expected to feature more than 4,800 athletes from 114 countries.
