Durham Region, Huntsville and Orillia have been chosen to host the 2019/2020 Ontario Games.
The province says these communities were chosen based on their ability to host competitions that showcase Ontario’s athletes and provide participants, volunteers and spectators with an exciting amateur sport experience.
“Ontario recognizes that amateur sport has significant benefits for athletes, for communities and for our province. I am delighted to announce the winning host communities for the Ontario 2019 ParaSport Games, 2019 55+ Winter Games and 2020 Ontario Winter Games. These games provide a platform to develop and showcase the skills of our athletes, while providing an important legacy of community pride and sport development in the host communities. My congratulations to Durham Region, Huntsville and Orillia!” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
- Durham Region will host the 2019 Ontario ParaSport Games. Communities in Durham will also benefit from the legacy of accessible facilities for future events. The community previously hosted the 2000 Ontario Summer Games and the 2010 Ontario 55+ Summer Games.
- The Town of Huntsville will host the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in 2019. These Games are the only major provincial sporting event in Ontario for the 55+ age demographic. Huntsville hosted these games in 2013 and provides an ideal setting for snow sports.
- The City of Orillia will be hosting back-to-back Ontario Winter Games, having been previously awarded the 2018 Ontario Winter Games. The 2020 Ontario Winter Games will feature Orillia’s new recreation complex, which will be opened later in 2018.
Ontario is investing $1,000,000 on the Ontario Winter Games, $110,000 for the 2019 ParaSport Games and $235,000 for the 2019 Ontario 55+ games. The province also spends $9.76 million a year on the Quest for Gold Porgram which helps high performing athletes live and train in Ontario.
These three multi-sport games are expected to have an economic impact of $8.5 million to the host communities.
