Ontario Summer Games Open In Mississauga
Athletes from across Ontario are preparing for the 2016 Ontario Summer Games being held in Mississauga, August 11 to 14.
“We are proud to be hosting the biggest Ontario Games in history and showcasing all that our great city has to offer,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We look forward to cheering on the athletes as they bring their energy and passion to the Games and share in our community spirit.”
Mississauga is ready to welcome more than 3,500 athletes, ages 12 to 18, along with 500 officials, 700 coaches and managers as well as spectators from across the province.
“The Ontario Summer Games prepares young athletes for all levels of sport competitions,” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The Games are a highpoint for many aspiring athletes who have their sights set on sporting achievements such as the Pan Am Games or Olympics. I look forward to celebrating with the athletes as they make all of Ontario proud this summer.”
There are a total of 34 sport events taking place over four days throughout Mississauga and surrounding municipalities such as Brampton, Caledon, Etobicoke, Innisfil and Welland.
“The City of Mississauga has done an exemplary job in preparing for Ontario’s largest multi-sport event,” said Peter Fonseca, Ontario Summer Games Chair, former Olympian and Member of Parliament for Mississauga East–Cooksville. “City staff along with more than 1,000 volunteers have been hard at work to make these Games a success. We want all athletes to have positive memories they can bring home with them.”
Crombie added, “Mississauga’s ability to host events of this scale shows our ongoing commitment to developing amateur athletes while providing tourism and economic benefits for the city.”
Athletes will go for gold in events such as basketball, hockey, volleyball, sledge hockey, wrestling, weightlifting and cycling. More than 2,000 medals, designed by local artist Tomas Rojcik, will be awarded during the Games. The artist’s design is symbolic of Ontario being home for everyone involved in the Games.
The Opening Ceremonies will be held at the Hershey Centre on Thursday, August 11 at 7 p.m.
The 2016 Ontario Summer Games in Mississauga is brought to you by the Province of Ontario, the City of Mississauga and Tourism Toronto.