Mississauga Hosts 2022 Ontario Parasport Games and 2022 Ontario Summer Games and Announces Volunteer Co-Chairs

The City of Mississauga is proud to host the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games and the 2022 Ontario Summer Games next year. The Ontario Parasport Games, originally scheduled for 2021, were postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ontario Parasport Games will run from May 13 to 15, 2022 and the Ontario Summer Games from July 21 to 24, 2022. This is the second time the City of Mississauga will host the Ontario Summer Games.

“Mississauga is proud to be hosting both of these Games, allowing us to welcome sports and tourism events back to Mississauga, while showcasing our world-class venues, staff and volunteers,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “It will also highlight Mississauga’s success and vibrancy, making our city a desirable place for future national and international events and sporting competitions. I look forward to the Games and the opportunity for Mississauga residents and visitors to celebrate safely together, show their support and cheer on the province’s talented athletes.”

Mississauga was named host of the 2021 Ontario Parasport Games in April 2019 by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. Last spring, the Games were subsequently postponed to 2022. From May 13-15, 2022, Mississauga will welcome up to 500 participants, including athletes, sport assistants, coaches and officials from across Ontario. The Games bring together Ontario’s best parasport athletes to compete in a number of sport events, including boccia, goalball and sledge hockey.

In addition, the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries also named Mississauga host of the 2022 Ontario Summer Games in December 2019. From July 21 to 24, 2022. Mississauga will welcome up to 3,500 participants (athletes, coaches and officials) from across Ontario. Athletes aged 12 to 18 will participate in more than 15 different sport events, including basketball, canoe kayak, field hockey, lacrosse (box and field), rugby, softball, table tennis and volleyball (indoor and beach).

“The Ontario Parasport Games and Ontario Summer Games will bring excitement and competition to Mississauga in 2022,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture industries. “Our government is thrilled to support these Games, which will provide our athletes an opportunity to return to competition safely and develop their skills – while boosting the local economy, supporting tourism and reinforcing that this province is one of the best places in the world for sport.”

Tourism Impact

Both Games will attract a number of visitors to Mississauga. In between or after competitions, participating athletes, their families and visitors will be able to enjoy Mississauga’s unique attractions, landmarks, parks, trails and local neighbourhoods.

“We’re especially excited to welcome the Games’ athletes with their coaches and families to Mississauga, as well as the many visitors who will travel across Ontario to enjoy the Games and discover all that our glorious city has to offer,” said Toni Frankfurter, Chair, Tourism Mississauga. “The Games will provide a unique opportunity to showcase Mississauga as a primary sport tourism destination in addition to showcasing our top-quality hotels, restaurants and shops. We look forward to welcoming you all.”

The direct economic impact from the two Games is estimated to be approximately $5.5 million.

Host Councillors and Game Co-Chairs

The Host Councillors for the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games are Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney and Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito. Ward 2 Councillor Karen Ras and Councillor Matt Mahoney are the Host Councillors for the 2022 Ontario Summer Games. The City has appointed Billy Bridges and Susan Stewart as the volunteer co-chairs for the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games and Natalie Wideman and Janet Leung as the 2022 Ontario Summer Games co-chairs.

“Both Billy and Susan are accomplished athletes who, in addition to having represented Canada on the Olympic stage, use their experiences as athletes living with a disability to motivate others,” said Ward 9 Councillor and Parasport Games Host Councillor, Pat Saito. “As exceptional athletes and advocates, they will bring valuable experience, perspective and knowledge to their roles as volunteer co-chairs. They’re an inspiration to us all and we are thrilled to have them supporting us on our journey to deliver the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games.”

Bridges, Stewart, Wideman and Leung were nominated for the co-chair positions in consultation with community stakeholders and the Games Host Committee co-chairs.

“Born and raised in Mississauga, both Natalie and Janet have exemplified their commitment to sport and embody true sportsmanship through their exceptional success and involvement in sport, locally and beyond. As Olympians and women in sport, both are role models within our community for their athletic, academic and professional accomplishments,” said Ward 8 Councillor and Ontario Parasport Games and Ontario Summer Games Host Councillor, Matt Mahoney. “I’m thankful to Natalie and Janet for the guidance and leadership they will provide in making these Games a success.”

Planning and preparation is currently underway for both Games. Visit sauga2022games.ca for more information.

Background

Games Ontario
Both the Ontario Parasport Games and the Ontario Summer Games are supported by the Ontario Government through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers multi-sport games, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth and the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games and the Ontario Parasport Games.

Tags

• Recreation and Sports
• Tourism