Canada News
Ontario Sport Hosting Program Applications Now Open
$3 million investment will boost sport tourism and local economies. (File Photo: Neil Lumsden @NeilLumsdenMPP/X)
By Ontario Government
TORONTO — The Ontario government is accepting applications for the second intake of the 2025-26 Sport Hosting Program, which provides funding to communities and sport organizations that are hosting national and international amateur sport events in the province.
“Our government is supporting our athletes, strengthening our communities and protecting our economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Bringing more amateur sport events to Ontario gives our athletes a chance to compete at home, while fostering national unity and driving domestic tourism that protects local businesses and jobs at this crucial time.”
Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program assists organizers and Ontario communities by providing funding support to host a variety of winter and summer national and international amateur sport events, reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for sport hosting. With an annual investment of $3 million, the program has supported more than 210 events hosted in the province, contributing approximately $185 million to Ontario’s economy since 2018.
In addition to bringing economic and tourism benefits to a communities, hosting sport events benefits Ontario athletes by giving them the opportunity to gain the elite-competition experience needed to excel on the world stage.
Communities and organizations can apply for the Ontario Sport Hosting Program – Intake II funding online through Transfer Payment Ontario until July 14, 2025.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Sport Hosting Program is designed to help bring national and international amateur sport events to the province by funding a variety of winter and summer sport competitions.
- 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 I, Ontario is investing more than $1.7 million to support 20 national and 10 international amateur sport events, which are expected to attract 12,000 athletes and generate $29 million in economic activity for Ontario.
