Ontario Investing $3 Million to Boost Sport Tourism
November 17, 2025
Province accepting applications for next round of Sport Hosting Program to support sport tourism and local economies
November 17, 2025
Sport
Table of Contents
- Content
- Quick Facts
- Quotes
- Additional Resources
- Related Topics
TORONTO — The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the first intake of the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program, which provides funding support to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions. This program is one more way the government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by boosting tourism, creating jobs and strengthening local economies across the province.
“Sport tourism is a powerful economic driver, and an important part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our Sport Hosting Program helps communities unlock the benefits of hosting major events and gives our athletes the opportunity to compete here at home, while reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events.”
With an annual investment of $3 million, the program has supported over 230 events since 2018, contributing approximately $220 million to Ontario’s economy. Recent events supported through the program include Canada Basketball’s 2025 Globl Jam in Toronto, the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in St. Catharines, the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Ottawa and the 2025 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League Women’s National Championship in Durham Region.
By helping communities host these events, the program not only drives economic activity and boosts local tourism, but it also gives Ontario athletes the elite-competition experience they need to excel on the world stage, right here at home.
Organizations can apply for the Ontario Sport Hosting Program – Intake I funding online through Transfer Payment Ontario until January 12, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program brings together on average approximately 9,500 amateur athletes, 3,000 volunteers and 100,000 community supporters to Ontario.
- Successful applicants can use this funding to help with operational costs, including venue, staffing, participant expenses (such as accommodations and meals) and legacy projects.
- Through the 2025-26 Sport Hosting Program – Intake II, Ontario is investing more than $1.6 million to support 20 national and 10 international amateur sport events, which are expected to attract 10,000 athletes and generate $34 million in economic activity for Ontario.
- The government’s investments through Ontario’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund are helping communities upgrade sport facilities, paving the way for more hosting opportunities.
Quotes
“Support from Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program has allowed us to deliver two World Aquatics Swimming World Cups and multiple national championships, while also creating opportunities for legacy community events. This investment strengthens our ability to host world-class competition in Ontario and ensures long-term benefits for our athletes, officials, and local Ontario sport communities.”
– Suzanne Paulins
CEO, Swimming Canada
“On behalf of Canada Basketball, I want to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport for their continued partnership and support through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program. An investment in events like GLOBL JAM not only helps Canada Basketball showcase world-class basketball right here in Toronto, but also creates meaningful opportunities for young Canadian athletes to compete against the best in the world, while inspiring the next generation of players and fans across the province.”
– Michael Bartlett
President & CEO, Canada Basketball
“In addition to the economic benefits of hosting a major sports event, the Ontario Hosting Program has been instrumental in bringing world-calibre volleyball to Ontario, it has elevated the performance of our women’s and men’s national teams and created exposure to the sport that has contributed to the growth of youth volleyball.”
– Mark Eckert
President & CEO, Volleyball Canada
“The Ontario Sport Hosting Program has been instrumental in helping ONPARA deliver high-quality national parasport events that showcase Ontario’s leadership in inclusion and accessibility. Support from this program made it possible to host the 2025 Wheelchair Basketball National Championships in Durham, creating a meaningful legacy for athletes and the community that will continue to strengthen parasport across the province.”
– Doug Hannum
Executive Director, Ontario Wheelchair Sports (ONPARA)
“Through the support of the Province of Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program, Golf Canada has been extremely fortunate to elevate the profile of multiple national championships. This program has enhanced the athlete experience, deepened community engagement, and enabled the creation of meaningful legacy initiatives that leave a lasting impact within host communities across the province.”
– Garrett Ball
Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada
Additional Resources
Ontario Sport Hosting Program
Apply for the Ontario Sport Hosting Program
Related Topics
Business and economy
Information about Ontario’s economy and how to do business here. Includes economic development opportunities, research funding, tax credits for business and the Ontario Budget. Learn more
Recreation and tourism
Learn about hunting and fishing, provincial parks, festivals and events, and visiting Ontario. Learn more