Sport Niagara and Row Ontario are pleased to announce a formal partnership that will strengthen traditional rowing programs in Niagara while also advancing the development of innovative rowing programs that expand participation, engagement, and excellence across the region.

Through this agreement, Sport Niagara and Row Ontario commit to working collaboratively on a shared development plan focused on three key program areas: coastal rowing, indoor rowing and e-rowing programs in schools. Together, these initiatives are designed to grow rowing participation year-round, create new competitive and recreational opportunities, and build long-term sustainability for the sport in Niagara and Ontario.

A central objective of the partnership is the establishment of sustainable coastal rowing programming in Niagara, including the identification of suitable locations, the delivery of safety and technique training clinics, and the creation of pathways to host regional, provincial, national, and international coastal rowing competitions. Environmental awareness and coastal stewardship will be embedded within this programming, reinforcing rowing’s connection to Niagara’s natural waterways.

The agreement also outlines a collaborative approach to developing indoor rowing events that are accessible to both recreational participants and high-performance athletes. Planned initiatives include seasonal challenges, virtual competitions, technology-enabled performance tracking, and annual indoor rowing festivals designed to attract broad community participation and media attention.

In addition, Sport Niagara and Row Ontario will work together to integrate e-rowing programs into schools across the region. These programs will introduce students to rowing through standardized digital resources, teacher training, inter-school virtual competitions, and educational sessions that connect sport with data analysis and sport science concepts.

Row Ontario will continue to operate within the shared Sport Niagara and Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario offices at Canada Games Park, supporting close coordination, shared planning, and daily collaboration between organizations.

The formalization of this partnership represents a positive and lasting legacy outcome of the 2024 World Rowing Championships hosted in Niagara, an event that highlighted the region’s capacity to deliver world-class sport experiences while fostering strong organizational collaboration.

Quote – Doug Hamilton, Chair, Sport Niagara
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to growing rowing in Niagara through innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning. The past success of many rowing events in Niagara has demonstrated what is possible in our region, and this partnership ensures that our previous successes translate into meaningful new programs and lasting impact.”

Quote – Andrew Backer, CEO, Row Ontario
“Niagara has a proud rowing history, and this partnership allows us to both honour that tradition and expand the sport in new and exciting ways. By working closely with Sport Niagara, we can deliver programs that engage youth, support athletes, and strengthen rowing’s presence across the community. We also intend to take the learnings from this partnership into different areas of the province.”

Rowing has deep roots in Niagara, shaped by its waterways, clubs, volunteers, and competitive success. This partnership reinforces a shared vision to ensure that rowing in Niagara continues to flourish — from grassroots participation to high-performance pathways — for generations to come.

For more information:
Visit www.sportniagara.ca or www.rowontario.ca

Sport Niagara, in collaboration with Dodgeball Ontario and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, is proud to announce Snowed In Comedy Tour: A Celebration of Niagara’s Dodgeball Community — an evening of laughter, recognition, and community spirit in support of the upcoming 2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships.

Taking place on Monday, March 23, 2026, this one-of-a-kind event will shine a spotlight on Niagara’s vibrant dodgeball community while delivering side-splitting entertainment from the Snowed In Comedy Tour, Canada’s biggest comedy tour and a national fan favourite.

The night kicks off with a Recognition Podium Program honouring 3–4 champions from Niagara’s dodgeball community—athletes, builders, and volunteers—who have made outstanding contributions to the sport. Following the recognition program, audiences will enjoy a 105-minute comedy showcase featuring four world-class comedians:

• Dan Quinn – Just for Laughs winner and tour founder
• Paul Myrehaug – Great Canadian Laugh Off champion
• Pete Zedlacher – Six-time Canadian Comedian of the Year nominee
• Erica Sigurdson – Beloved Debaters regular with over 70 appearances

“This event celebrates the incredible people who’ve built and grown dodgeball across Niagara, while bringing the community together for a night of laughter and recognition,” said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director, Sport Niagara. “It’s the perfect warm-up to the 2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships coming to Niagara this April 2026.”

The Snowed In Comedy Tour continues its coast-to-coast run across 70 Canadian cities, known for its powerhouse lineup and reviews that hail it as “better than the Just for Laughs Tour” and “a flurry of laughs you can’t miss.”

Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, November 28, 2025, with presales for venue partners and stakeholders beginning Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Tickets:
Available at firstontariopac.ca
Prices range from $50–$65, reserved seating only.

Proceeds from this event will support the 2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships, hosted in Niagara at Canada Games Park on April 4–5, 2026.

Dodgeball Ontario, in partnership with Sport Niagara, is thrilled to announce that the 2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships will take place April 4 and 5, 2026 at Canada Games Park in Niagara. The province’s top dodgeball teams will compete for Ontario titles in an event expected to draw athletes, coaches, and fans from across the province.

The two-day intense tournament will include approximately 300 athletes from across Ontario that will compete in men’s and women’s divisions using the official World Dodgeball Federation rules for foam-style dodgeball. The Championship serves also as a qualifier earning the top teams from Ontario the opportunity to represent Ontario at the national club finals run by Dodgeball Canada.

To celebrate and build excitement leading up to the championships, two signature pre-event fundraisers will bring the Niagara community together in March 2026:

1. Niagara Community Dodge Wars
   Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara Falls
   This spirited community tournament presented by Meridian Credit Union will feature 3 unique duel-offs including:

1. 1. Niagara College versus  Brock University
   2. Corporate & Community Groups, via a community challenge call out
   3. Local sports organizations including, Niagara IceDogs, Niagara River Lions, Welland Jackfish and an Niagara IceDogs alumni team

The event will provide a fun, high-energy showcase of community engagement, competition, and entertainment.

2. Snowed In Comedy Tour – “A Celebration of Niagara’s Dodgeball Community”
   Monday, March 23, 2026 | 7:00–9:30 p.m. | FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, St. Catharines
   This unique evening will feature a recognition podium program honouring Niagara’s Dodgeball Champions — outstanding athletes, builders, and volunteers — followed by a performance from the nationally acclaimed Snowed In Comedy Tour. The event aims to sell out Partridge Hall’s 770 seats, generating awareness and funds for the Provincial Championships.  Official show announcement to follow with tickets on sale for December 12, 2025.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dodgeball Ontario’s Provincial Championships to Niagara and to showcase our region’s world-class facilities at Canada Games Park,” said Doug Hamilton, Chair of Sport Niagara. “Through these events, we’re not only supporting sport development but celebrating the incredible community that makes Niagara such a vibrant place for athletes.”

“Dodgeball Ontario is excited to bring the province’s best players and fans together in Niagara for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of sport and camaraderie,” said Steve Villeseche, President of Dodgeball Ontario. “The partnership with Sport Niagara ensures that this event will be both competitive and community-driven, highlighting everything that makes our sport great.”

Villeseche continues to state, ‘Niagara is no stranger to dodgeball champions’.  He highlights, the following athletes:

Joel Jodoin; a native of Thorold, Joel has competed widely including representing Canada at the 2024 World Championships as well as captaining Ontario’s men’s team to gold at the 2025 Nationals.

Beth Villeseche;  from growing up in Niagara-on-the-lake to bringing home the gold. Beth has medaled at the National and International level before transitioning into coaching, where she’s found the podium as assistant coach with both Team Canada and Team Ontario in the men’s division.

The 2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships mark the first time the event will be hosted in Niagara, building on the success of previous tournaments across the province. The collaboration between Dodgeball Ontario and Sport Niagara underscores a shared commitment to community engagement, grassroots sport, and showcasing Niagara as a destination for major sporting events.

For more information:
Visit www.dodgeballontario.org or www.sportniagara.ca

The Niagara Region was alive with energy and pride from May 30 to June 1, 2025, as over 400 participants including athletes, coaches, officials and athlete assistants from across Ontario came together to compete, connect, and celebrate at the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games, hosted by Sport Niagara.

It was a weekend of firsts, inspiration, and unforgettable moments that showcased the best of what Niagara has to offer.

“The Niagara Region once again showed why it’s quickly becoming a centre for sport and sport tourism,” said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. “Our ability to bring together all 12 Niagara municipalities creates opportunities not just for sport, but for community building and inclusion.”

There were many “firsts” for the Niagara 2025 Parasport Games!
● First Parasport Games hosted in the Region.
● First Parasport Games to include Para-Golf and Para Swimming.
● First ever “Athlete Council”. This was a council of current para athletes from around Ontario that provided, among many things, athlete feedback from previous games. This allowed us as the host to create better overall athlete experience.
● First Athlete Village. All the athletes had the chance to stay and share meals and make connections with their peers at Brock University.
● First “Saturday Night Social”. Sport Niagara was able to elevate the athlete experience by hosting a night for athletes to get together in a social setting.
● First comprehensive Live Stream of the sport competitions – Niagara College provided its expertise by filming and streaming the Games. It was also carried on CBC Gem for the first time in Ontario Parasport games history!
● While not a “First”, our procurement policies did focus on working with businesses run by people with Disabilities. Our website, medals, program, accessibility audits and opening ceremony talent were through companies owned by or included people with disabilities.

Spirited by Volunteers
The success of any event can be directly attributed to volunteerism, and Niagara is at the top of the class! Well over 500 volunteers signed up to assist in the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games; so many in fact that we had to close our volunteer portal! Sport Niagara and its successes are built on the support of our over 5000 volunteers. Their spirit and willingness to lead a hand are what makes the Region so special.

Powered by Local Support
“The Niagara business community, along with national partners, stepped up in a big way for the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games – contributing over $120,000 to help us not only create an unforgettable experience for the athletes, but also a lasting legacy. This wasn’t just about dollars; it was about community. Thanks to the support and generosity of Meridian, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Accenture, OLG, CAA Niagara, Alectra, Niagara College, Brock University and many others, we were able to raise the bar for what athlete-centered, inclusive sport can look like. We’re grateful beyond words!”, quoted Mat Milne, Director of Sponsorship for Sport Niagara.

The Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games was made possible with the funding and support from the Government of Ontario with a total funding contribution of $175,000. Overall, the Games generated an estimated $400,000 in local economic impact, with 20% of that going to businesses owned or operated by people with disabilities — a true reflection of Niagara’s inclusive spirit.

Community Outreach
Sport Niagara in partnership with Parasport Ontario and generously supported by OLG and CAA Niagara, developed the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games “Try-it” sessions. This initiative provides the opportunity to discover and try a sport such as para hockey and wheelchair basketball. The ‘try-it’ sessions foster greater awareness, empathy, and appreciation among the broader community for the skill, and athleticism involved in parasport.

Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations
The legacy of the Games will live on through the creation of the Niagara Parasport Legacy Fund, established in partnership with the Niagara Community Foundation. With an expected endowment of $100,000, which includes a dedicated $10,000 from the Ministry’s financial contribution, the fund will support the launch of the Niagara Adapted Sport Hub (NASH) — a long-term initiative to expand accessible sport opportunities across the region.

Guided by the Games’ powerful motto, “Nothing for us or about us, without us,” the Hub will ensure people with disabilities continue to have a strong voice in shaping the future of sport in Niagara.

Quote from the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport
“Our government was proud to support the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games in the Niagara Region this summer. This event provided an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable talent of athletes from across the province, demonstrate the power of sport tourism to drive economic growth, and build a legacy that will expand accessible sport opportunities and benefit the community for decades to come. Thank you to Sport Niagara and all the supporters, sponsors, and volunteers who worked so hard to make these Games a success.” – Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport

On May 30th, 2025, more than 400 athletes from Ontario will gather in the Niagara Region to compete in the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games.

Today, Sport Niagara is proud to announce the creation of the Niagara Para Games Legacy Fund in partnership with the Niagara Community Foundation. This fund will be managed by a board of those from the Niagara Region’s disability sport community with oversight by Sport Niagara and by the Niagara Community Foundation.

“Sport Niagara, as the Legacy Organization of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, is excited to have been awarded the opportunity to welcome Ontario’s Para Athletes to compete in Niagara,” stated Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "Our vision is to leave a lasting and sustained legacy for our disability sport community.”

The goal of this Fund is to provide Niagara’s disability sport community with financial support towards new adaptive equipment, programs, awareness, leadership training, and inclusion education. “Sport Niagara’s vision for this Fund is really exciting,” says Jeff Tiessen, three-time Paralympian and Steering Committee Lead of the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games. “From its appreciation of the disability community’s ‘Nothing For Us Without Us’ mindset, with respect to the construction of the board, to the understanding that leadership and education are also important to building adaptive and inclusive programs that motivate sport and recreation activity for life.”

The Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) has been operating for 25 years and is one of the 200 community foundations across Canada under the umbrella of Community Foundations of Canada. As a community foundation, NCF helps connect donors to causes, and charities to resources, through the creation of permanent endowment funds, like the Niagara Para Games Legacy Fund.

“Importantly, this partnership with the NCF will ensure that the Niagara Para Games Legacy Fund is positioned for continued growth through investment and future contributions. These contributions will be critical to the long-term success of the Fund and its programming”, stated Kennedy.

“After the success of the 2022 Canada Summer Games, our region is extremely fortunate and excited to welcome the Ontario Parasport Games to Niagara in May 2025, hosted by Sport Niagara” stated Bryan Rose, Executive Director of the Niagara Community Foundation. “NCF continues our proud partnership with Sport Niagara in our shared stewardship of the 2022 Games. We are honoured to extend this collaboration and for the opportunity to a Niagara Para Games Legacy Fund. The endowment fund will create annualized revenue that we know will have an enduring impact and provide vital funding for
adaptive sports here in Niagara in the years to come and the generations ahead.”

The activities of this fund will be supported in part by the surplus generated from the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games and through local donations. The Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games was made possible thanks to funding and support from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Sport and Sport Niagara, and will give rise to new legacies of ambition and confidence that will inspire generations to come.

“On behalf of the Ontario government, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Sport Niagara and the Niagara Community Foundation for sharing our commitment to growing opportunities for participation in sport for people of all abilities,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The creation of the Niagara Para Games Legacy Fund will ensure that people continue to benefit from the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games for years to come.”

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Paul Langlois (Tragically Hip) will take centre stage at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC) in support of the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games being held May 30 – June 1, 2025 hosted by Sport Niagara. This special evening will also include an intimate and interactive artist interview conducted by Canada’s own Jeff Leake.

When Paul Langlois (Tragically Hip) was asked to play the closing ceremonies of the Canada Summer Games in Niagara Falls in August of 2022, the last thing on his mind was making a new record. A few months later, however, Guess What, The Paul Langlois Band’s debut, was in the can, and Langlois began a new and exciting phase of his musical journey.

The title track itself – which closes out the record – is an expression of his surprise that one gig could lead to the formation of a new band and a full record. “At the time, I’d been quietly making my way through my new life, chipping away at little musical ideas here and there, with no particular goals in mind,” Langlois explains, crediting the Niagara gig as the impetus to get him playing music again and, ultimately, rekindling his interest in songwriting.

Fans of Langlois and The Tragically Hip will be thrilled it did. Featuring Langlois on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and the ample talents of bandmates Greg Ball on guitar and backing vocals, lead guitarist Joe Carscallen, Matt Mulvihill on bass, and drummer Billy Anglin, Guess What offers up the kind of thoughtful, straight-up rock and roll that’s timely, timeless, and a bit of a rarity these days.

“It’s where the spark happened; so, returning back to Niagara is a complete honour,” expresses Langlois, who ensures the audience that some Hip songs will be highlighted as well.

“Sport Niagara, as the Legacy Organization of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, is excited to welcome Ontario’s Para Athletes to compete in Niagara,” stated Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. Hosting this fundraiser concert will deeply assist with our endeavour of successfully delivering an exceptional Parasport Games this upcoming spring. “Our vision is to leave a lasting and sustained legacy for our disability sports community.”

Pre-sale tickets will be available for Thursday, January 9, 2025, with public ticket sales starting at 10:00 am on Friday, January 10, 2025, at FOPAC.

In May 2025, Niagara will welcome athletes, managers, coaches, officials, and volunteers from across Ontario for the 44th Ontario Parasport Games. Sport Niagara, the not-for-profit organization established to carry on the sport legacy from the Niagara 2022 Canada Games, is thrilled to be selected as the host of this prestigious event. Between May 29 to June 1, events will be held at sporting facilities across the Niagara region including Canada Games Park and Brock University in Thorold and the Vale Health and Wellness Centre in Port Colborne.

With a focus on attracting and hosting sporting events in Niagara, Sport Niagara is excited to bring this event to the region. “We are extremely excited to continue to advance the legacy of the recent Canada Games in Niagara,” said Doug Hamilton, Board member of Sport Niagara. “Hosting sporting events like this will continue to support sport tourism and economic development in Niagara.”

“As a 12-time participant in the Ontario Parasport Games, it’s a tremendous honour for me to lead the Steering Committee for these Games with so much lived-experience and expertise from the Niagara Region’s disability community,” said three-time Paralympian Jeff Tiessen. “Niagara has such a rich parasport history, and I’m excited for these Games to create even more adapted sport opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”

“The Ontario government is pleased to select Sport Niagara and the Niagara region as the successful bid to host the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These Games are an exciting opportunity for highly skilled athletes to come together in competition with their peers from across the province.  The event will provide a significant impact for the local economy, boost tourism, create jobs, and inspire a new generation of athletes.”

The Ontario Parasport Games were first delivered in 1975 by the City of Cambridge. Since then, the Games have grown to over 500 participants competing in 10+ sports including wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, goalball and more. The last Ontario ParaSports Games were held in Durham in 2023. 

Sport Niagara is excited to announce its partnership with Brock University. As a nonprofit organization created as part of the legacy of the 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara, Sport Niagara has played a significant role in the local sports scene.

We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the university’s Brock Sport & Business Association to offer students valuable opportunities, elevate the quality of events and open doors for student volunteering and internships in the Niagara sports community.

What does this mean for Brock University students?

Volunteer Opportunities

Students will gain access to practical experience through volunteer opportunities associated with Sport Niagara events. This hands-on involvement not only enhances students’ practical skills but also provides invaluable real-world experience within the sports industry.

Internship Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to explore potential internships, with Sport Niagara and its sports partners providing information when relevant. These internships can serve as a crucial stepping stone for students looking to gain practical experience and kickstart their career in the field. This is especially important for 4th-year SPMA students looking for internship placement.

Networking

This partnership will provide valuable opportunities for students to connect and network with industry professionals through Sport Niagara and its’ partners. This networking opportunity can be instrumental in career development.

L’Assemblé de la francophonie de l’Ontario has recognized Sport Niagara for the Prix de l’horizon Award for their commitment to promoting the Franco-Ontarian community on a national scale at the Niagara 2022 Canada Games. 

The award comes after the 2022 Canada Games – in partnership with AFO – executed a very successful Francophone Pavilion, a first in the history of the Canada Games since its creation in 1967. The space aimed to recognize and promote the French language throughout Canada, while encouraging cultural and linguistic expression through art, music and conversation.

Learn more

The Neil Campbell Rowing Centre was awarded the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Architecture Prize in the category of Specialised Facilities. The IOC, IPC and IAKS are committed to advocating for excellence in the visioning, design and operation of fully-inclusive and universally accessible indoor and outdoor facilities. As their 2023 award recipient (and one of six award-winning sports and leisure facilities in Canada.), the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre was recognized for the following achievements:

• sensible sustainability and public value, including a design that achieves both net-zero energy and net-zero carbon emission benchmarks;
• exemplary accessibility and universal design;
• strong functional planning and innovation; and
• exceptional architectural design.

The Neil Campbell Rowing Centre was developed by MJMA Architecture & Design with Raimondo + Associates Architects and is operated by the Canadian Henley Rowing Corporation. The Centre was built as a legacy facility for the 2022 Canada Games, and will play host when the 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23, Under 19 Championships return to St. Catharines from August 18-25, 2024.

Learn More about the IOC IPC IAKS Architecture Prize and other winners.

Sport Niagara is proud to announce its collaboration with the 2024 World Rowing Championships, set to take place from August 18-25, 2024, at Henley Island in the City of St. Catharines. As a key partner to the St. Catharines Organizing Committee, Sport Niagara will provide comprehensive support in the planning and execution of this major international competition, namely project management, marketing and communications, cultural programming, revenue generation, procurement, and event logistics.

Rowing’s biggest and most important event of the season will witness a gathering of 2,500 athletes representing more than 80 countries, shining a spotlight on the Senior, U23, and U19 categories. The 8-day competition along the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course promises to be an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

On August 24, 2023, Sport Niagara joined the local organizing committee at the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre on Henley Island to celebrate the one year countdown to the 2024 World Rowing Championships. Along with a flag raising ceremony that included local, provincial and federal representatives, the Provincial and Federal governments also announced their collective funding contributions of $1.8M for the Mega Event.

With an esteemed history of successful sports event management, Sport Niagara brings its proven track record and credibility within the sports community to the forefront. Noteworthy achievements include hosting and executing prominent events such as the 2022 Canada Games, 2019 Canadian Wrestling Trials, and the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in 2018. This collaboration with the St. Catharines Word Rowing Organizing Committee further solidifies Sport Niagara’s commitment to delivering exceptional sporting experiences on the global stage.

Stay connected to Sport Niagara as the countdown to the 2024 World Rowing Championships continues. Follow Sport Niagara on Facebook and LinkedIn and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on business and volunteer opportunities, news and events.If you are interested in learning more about the Event Hosting services we offer, click here.

The Niagara 2022 Canada Games Host Society has established a new sport legacy organization (Sport Niagara) and has partnered with the Niagara Community Foundation to establish the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund to support Sport Niagara with the more than $3 million surplus generated from the Games.

August 4, 2023 (Niagara, Ont.) — In August 2022, Niagara surged stronger than ever on the national stage. More than 5000 up-and-coming athletes gathered in the Niagara Region to compete in the Canada Games, Canada’s largest multi-sport event.

“For 16 days, Niagara celebrated the wonderful achievements of Canada’s best young athletes,” stated Doug Hamilton, Board Chair of the Niagara 2022 Canada Games Host Society. “Our vision for these Games was to host an event that would inspire, transform and unify Niagara, and that would also leave a lasting legacy for our community.” As described in the Niagara 2022 Canada Games Final Report, despite facing challenges such as the COVID pandemic, Niagara delivered on its vision.    “We were able to achieve this success thanks to the generous support from our partners and sponsors, and the phenomenal contributions by our tremendous team of volunteers and staff.”

The 2022 Canada Games, made possible thanks to funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Niagara Region, and the Canada Games Council, gave rise to new legacies of ambition, confidence, and compassion that will inspire generations to come.

Today, at Canada Games Park, celebrating a one year anniversary of the Niagara 2022 Canada Games, the Niagara 2022 Canada Games Host Society proudly announced the official launch of Sport Niagara, and the establishment of the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund.

Sport Niagara is a not-for-profit organization established to carry on the sport legacy from the Niagara 2022 Canada Games. Sport Niagara will focus on (i) supporting the attraction and hosting of future sport events in Niagara – events that are critical to Niagara’s continued economic development; and (ii) promoting sport through various programs focused on advancing community and high-performance sport – programs that will not only improve the health and well-being of Niagara residents, but will also help develop Niagara’s future generations of sport champions.

As a member of Community Sport Councils Ontario (CSCO), Sport Niagara joins a growing team of more than 40 community sport councils across Ontario. As described by the CSCO, “Sport councils are mechanisms to encourage greater cooperation and collaboration among sports groups… to provide a collective voice for sport in a community. They are intended to break down barriers between sports, serve as a liaison on sport issues, and support joint advocacy regarding sport needs.”

The activities of Sport Niagara will be funded in part by the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund – a Fund established by the Niagara 2022 Canada Games Host Society in partnership with the Niagara Community Foundation with the more than $3 million surplus generated from the Games.

The Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) has been operating for more than 22 years and is one of the 200 community foundations across Canada under the umbrella of Community Foundations of Canada. As a community foundation, NCF helps connect donors to causes, and charities to resources, through the creation of permanent endowment funds, like the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund.

“Importantly, this partnership with the NCF will ensure that the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund is well-positioned for continued growth through investment and  future contributions. These contributions to the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund will be critical to the long-term success of Sport Niagara”, stated Hamilton.

“Sport Niagara is a natural continuation of the legacy of the 2022 Canada Games. When the Niagara 2022 Host Society reached out to us and talked about its intention to open an endowment fund after the completion of the Games, it was the natural fit,” says Bryan Rose, NCF Executive Director. “NCF is in the business of legacy building, helping to turn the intention of our donors into impact in the community. We are proud to take this next step with Sport Niagara to ensure that the athletes of our community are not only supported for today, but for generations to come.”

Join us for the official launch of Niagara’s new sport legacy organization – Sport Niagara – and the establishment of the 2022 Canada Games Legacy Fund. Learn how Sport Niagara will support the attraction and hosting of future sport events and promote sport through various programming.

Friday, August 4th , 2023 at 10:00amWhere
Canada Games Park – Upper Level 
2021 Canada Games Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Light refreshments | Free Parking

RSVP: vwikston@sportniagara.ca
RSVP by August 2nd, 2023

The Niagara 2022 Canada Games receives the PRESTIGE Canadian Sport Event of the Year Award and the Sport Event Legacy of the Year Award.

June 8th, 2023 (Niagara, Ont.) — The Niagara 2022 Canada Games continues on its legacy journey by winning the Canadian Sport Event of the Year Award and the Sport Event Legacy of the Year Award presented by Sport Tourism Canada (STC).

The recognition, presented at the 15th Annual PRESTIGE Awards Gala held in Richmond, BC, honoured the best in Canada’s sport tourism industry.

The Niagara 2022 Canada Games won in the category of events with a budget of greater than $1 million which recognizes the overall success of an outstanding single-sport, multi-sport or collegiate event held in Canada between 2020-2022. The STC Sport Event Legacy of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements or contributions by individuals, companies or organizations that have helped advance sustainable and environmental stewardship within a Canadian Sport Event held between 2020-2022 and have left a demonstrable legacy to the community.

Other finalists in the event of the year category were the 2022 Grey Cup Festival & 109th Grey Cup Game, and the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier. The other finalist for the legacy award was The Style Experience FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup.

The awards gala is held in conjunction with STC’s annual Sport Event Congress, which is Canada’s largest annual gathering of sport and tourism professionals, event managers and industry suppliers that attracts approximately 400 delegates each year.

“For 16 days, Niagara celebrated the wonderful achievements of Canada’s best young athletes,” stated Doug Hamilton, Board Chair of the Niagara 2022 Host Society. “Our vision for these Canada Games was to host an event that would inspire, transform and unify Niagara, and that would also leave a lasting legacy for our community.  As described in the Niagara 2022 Canada Games Final Report, despite facing challenges such as the COVID pandemic, Niagara delivered on our vision. We were able to achieve this success thanks to the generous support from our partners and sponsors, and the phenomenal contributions by our tremendous team of volunteers and staff.”

“On behalf of the Niagara region, I want to express how honoured we are to receive these prestigious awards in recognition of our community’s efforts on the 2022 Canada Summer Games,” said Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “For over two weeks last August, Niagara played host to the nation as we celebrated sport, culture and the unity that can only be brought about through competition. These awards are a further acknowledgment of the Games’ transformational legacy across Niagara, and the outstanding job done by the organizing committee and volunteers.”

“Niagara 2022 hosted a phenomenal edition of the Canada Games and we are thrilled to congratulate the 2022 Host Society for this amazing recognition!” said Canada Games Council President and CEO Kelly-Ann Paul. “We salute the entire team including the board, staff, volunteers and partners who made the 2022 Canada Summer Games such a tremendous event for the region and the nation while sparking greatness in Canada’s next generation of athletes and leaders.”

Taking place at venues across Niagara, the 2022 Canada Games saw approximately 5,000 athletes, representing Canada’s future generation of Olympians and Paralympians, compete for the right to be a national champion. The Niagara 2022 Canada Games featured an inaugural women’s rugby sevens competition, the return of men’s lacrosse after a 37-year absence from the Games, and the first-ever women’s lacrosse competition in the history of the Canada Games.

For the first time in the Canada Games’ history, which dates back to 1967, 13 municipalities (the Regional Municipality of Niagara and its 12 local area municipalities) collectively hosted this competition. This uniquely Canadian event, which counts Andre De Grasse, Sidney Crosby, Steve Nash, Katarina Roxon and Hayley Wickenheiser as alumni, is also one of the only multi-sport competitions in the world that features events for able-bodied athletes, as well as athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities.