They call it the five D’s, and Niagara is about to experience it all this upcoming weekend.
Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge.
The 2026 Ontario Provincial Championships bring together the province’s best athletes for a weekend of competition, community, and incredible energy. The weekend will host exciting matchups, and unforgettable moments on and off the court. Following the Official WDBF Dodgeball Ruleset (2022) for foam-style dodgeball, this event reflects Dodgeball Ontario’s commitment to growing the sport and creating meaningful opportunities for athletes across the province.
Five individuals connected to the sport of Dodgeball were recently recognized by Sport Niagara, including Ian Woods.
Every sport needs builders — people who create opportunities, develop programs, and ensure the game continues to grow.
Ian Woods is exactly that kind of leader.
Woods’ contributions to dodgeball in our community have been both significant and lasting. He has been recognized for:
His leadership and vision in program development
His passion for teaching and mentoring youth
And his ability to grow participation at all levels
What stands out most is Woods’ commitment to creating a positive and engaging environment — especially for young athletes discovering the sport for the first time.
His work doesn’t just grow the game — it strengthens the community around it.
Woods joined the Niagara Sports Report/Sport Niagara Podcast and explained what attendees to the 2026 Ontario Provincial Championships will see.
“We can dodge, we can dive, we can dip, but there’s dedication, there’s discipline and there’s decisions you have to make. You’re in for a good show. If you can come out and watch it, you’ll be amazed at what we can do,” said Woods.
“This event celebrates the incredible people who’ve built and grown dodgeball across Niagara, while bringing the community together for a night of laughter and recognition. It’s the perfect warm-up to the 2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships,” Sport Niagara Executive Director Dan Kennedy said.
Here are the details of this weekends Ontario Provincial Dodgeball Championships held at Canada Games Park in Thorold:
Event Admission:
Saturday or Sunday (one day only) – $7.50 per person
Weekend Pass – $10.00 per person
Children 12 years and under – Complimentary
Debit and/or credit card payment ONLY – no cash transactions
No advance ticketing, admission at door
No advance reserved seating
NOTE: To support Dodgeball ON’s community initiatives, non-perishable food items are being collected at the entrance for FEED Niagara.
Schedule
Saturday, April 4, 2026
8:00am – Opening Ceremony including pep rally
8:30am – 8:00pm – Robin Robin Competition
Play-Off Commencement
Sunday, April 5, 2026
8:00am – 6:00pm – Play-Off Competition
Finals
Awards Ceremony
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
