The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has announced that the City of Orillia will host the 2018 Ontario Winter Games.
“Supporting communities across the province is an important part of our plan to Build Ontario Up and bring people together through a shared love of sport and volunteerism. We’re a stronger, more cohesive province when we can come together for events like the 2018 Ontario Winter Games and I know that the community of Orillia and the region will deliver a memorable weekend,” said Eleanor McMahon, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The region will benefit tremendously from greater community building, economic activity and sport development and I look forward to working with officials, community leaders and the wonderful people of Orillia as we implement these Games.”
The 2018 Ontario Winter Games will attract more than 3,000 athletes, competing in approximately 25 sports over the four-day event. It is estimated the Ontario Winter Games will help generate nearly $6 million in economic activity in Orillia and area.
“Together with our neighbouring communities, the City of Orillia is thrilled to be hosting the 2018 Ontario Winter Games. As Orillia continues to build its sports tourism capacity, the 2018 Games will be our chance to showcase Orillia and area as a premiere sporting event destination,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “The impact the Games will have on the community will be tremendous. The entire region will see an influx in visitors to the area. In addition to the tourism generated, the local community will be exposed to high level sport competition and the chance to watch the future of Canadian amateur sport.”
The City of Orillia will be partnering with Oro-Medonte, Gravenhurst, Midland, Rama, Huntsville, Tourism Simcoe County and Ontario’s Lake Country in order to deliver the 2018 Ontario Winter Games. Sports involved within the Games are being finalized; however it is expected the Games will feature approximately 25 different sport competitions including hockey, ski and snowboard, curling, volleyball, sledge hockey, martial arts, wrestling and figure skating.
In addition, the City of Orillia will receive $1 million in provincial funding through a hosting grant. Within the $1 million hosting grant, is a $100,000 deficit guarantee and legacy fund. This funding will help Orillia deliver the Games on budget, while leaving a lasting legacy within the community for years to come.
Read the official news release from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport by visiting their
website.
The City of Orillia is a city of 31,000 people in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website at
orillia.ca.