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Ontario Government Supporting 2021 Ontario Summer Games in London
The rescheduled Games will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2021
(London, Ontario) – Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries joined London Mayor Ed Holder, Dave De Kelver, General Manager for the Ontario Summer Games in London, and Zanth Jarvis with Tourism London, earlier today to announce that the rescheduled Games will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2021. The Ontario government will continue to invest $1 million in to the Games, despite being postponed as a result of COVID-19.
"Our industries were hit first, the hardest, and are expected to take the longest to recover following COVID-19,” said Minister MacLeod. “That is why it is critical that we continue to invest in sporting events that showcase our homegrown athletic talent and put our tourism industry on a path to recovery.”
The Ontario Summer Games hosts more than 3,000 participants (athletes, coaches, managers and officials) to compete in up to 19 sport competitions. The Games are projected to generate an economic impact of over $5 million.
Ontario's investment in sport is part of the province's commitment to delivering a double bottom line: providing athletes, residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience the best of the world in one province, as well as supporting economic growth by attracting visitors and creating local jobs.
The government will continue to work with the tourism and sports sectors to ensure that as the province gradually reopens, Ontario will be in the best position to welcome the world back to the province.
“Sports have the power to inspire and to unite and I absolutely cannot wait for the Ontario Summer Games to do both when they come to London in 2021. We have proven ourselves as a world-class host for numerous sporting events in recent years, including the 2018 Ontario Summer Games, and we will set the bar even higher next summer. In addition to first-rate facilities and amenities, we have a seemingly endless supply of enthusiastic, dedicated, and community-minded volunteers. I know they, along with all Londoners, will leave a lasting impression on the young athletes from across Ontario who will come to our city to compete at next year’s event.”
– Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
“Events like this are so important to not only our community, through the legacies they provide, but also for the athletes as they prepare to compete at the next level. While it’s unfortunate the 2020 Games had to be postponed, we’re thrilled that they will be returning to London in 2021 and are excited to finally announce the dates. Thank you to Minister MacLeod and the Province of Ontario for your support, as well as to the over 3400 participants and 800 volunteers that contributed to make this event a tremendous success in 2018. We look forward to welcoming everyone back this time next year for the London 2021 Ontario Summer Games.”
– Zanth Jarvis – Director, Sport Tourism – Tourism London
About Games Ontario
The Ontario Summer Games is supported by the Government of Ontario, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers or supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games and the Ontario Parasport Games.
Media Contact
Derek Rowland
Derek.Rowland@ontario.ca
647-272-6248
Zanth Jarvis
Director, Sport Tourism
Tourism London
(226) 984-8640
zjarvis@londontourism.ca