Mississauga to Host 2021 Ontario Parasport Games

The Ontario Parasport Games are coming to Mississauga in 2021. The announcement was made today by MPP Deepak Anand, Mississauga-Malton, at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre during a Parasport Try-It Day held for high school students from eight local schools.

“I am excited that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) has named Mississauga as host of the 2021 Ontario Parasport Games,”

said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “An inclusive community gives everyone an opportunity to shine. The Ontario Parasport Games will help highlight Mississauga’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive programming for all. I look forward to welcoming these young athletes from across our great province in 2021.”

The Ontario Parasport Games are a part of the MTCS Games Ontario Program that include summer and winter Games for youth as well as the 55+ summer and winter Games. The 2021 Ontario Parasport Games will bring up to 400 athletes from across the province to compete in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball and sledge hockey. The Ontario Parasport Games are hosted every two years and will take place in the spring of 2021.

“The 2021 Ontario Parasport Games are an opportunity to come together as a community, and to celebrate the athletic excellence of our athletes. I am certain that Mississauga will deliver an exceptional experience for the athletes and their coaches, friends and families,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our government is pleased to support this event through the Games Ontario Program — part of our commitment to helping more people participate and excel in sport.”

“We celebrate this successful bid to host the 2021 Parasport Games, on the heels of the Ontario 55+ Summer Games and the 2016 Ontario Summer Games,”

said Shari Lichterman, Director, Recreation. “Mississauga is an inclusive sport-hosting community with world-class venues, seasoned event staff and undeniable volunteer support from our residents. We look forward to welcoming Ontario’s best.”

Today’s announcement was aligned with the third annual Parasport Try-It Day. Local high school students participated in four parasports including: sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and seated volleyball. Parasport athletes led each sports event by teaching students the basics of the sport as well as how to officiate a game. Each participating school paired up with a para-athlete and competed in a tournament. The goal of the event is to boost the awareness of parasports in local schools.

Visit MTCS for more information about the Games.

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