The Niagara Region continues to attract a wide array of sports including Hockey Canada’s World Junior Training Camp underway this week in Niagara Falls, or this past spring’s Ontario Parasport Games.
The results on the latter were very impressive.
Over 400 participants including athletes, coaches, officials and athlete assistants from across the province came together to compete, connect, and celebrate the three-day event hosted by Sport Niagara.
“The Niagara Region once again showed why it’s quickly becoming a centre for sport and sport tourism,” said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. “Our ability to bring together all 12 Niagara municipalities creates opportunities not just for sport, but for community building and inclusion.”
There were many “firsts” for the Niagara 2025 Parasport Games
● First Parasport Games hosted in the Region.
● First Parasport Games to include Para-Golf and Para Swimming.
● First ever “Athlete Council”. This was a council of current para athletes from around Ontario that provided, among many things, athlete feedback from previous games. This allowed us as the host to create better overall athlete experience.
● First Athlete Village. All the athletes had the chance to stay and share meals and make connections with their peers at Brock University.
● First “Saturday Night Social”. Sport Niagara was able to elevate the athlete experience by hosting a night for athletes to get together in a social setting.
● First comprehensive Live Stream of the sport competitions – Niagara College provided its expertise by filming and streaming the Games. It was also carried on CBC Gem for the first time in Ontario Parasport games history!
● While not a “First”, our procurement policies did focus on working with businesses run by people with Disabilities. Our website, medals, program, accessibility audits and opening ceremony talent were through companies owned by or included people with disabilities.
Over 500 volunteers signed up to assist in the Games, while a number of Niagara companies stepped up as well.
“The Niagara business community, along with national partners, stepped up in a big way for the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games – contributing over $120,000 to help us not only create an unforgettable experience for the athletes, but also a lasting legacy. This wasn’t just about dollars; it was about community. Thanks to the support and generosity of Meridian, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Accenture, OLG, CAA Niagara, Alectra, Niagara College, Brock University and many others, we were able to raise the bar for what athlete-centered, inclusive sport can look like. We’re grateful beyond words!”, quoted Mat Milne, Director of Sponsorship for Sport Niagara.
The Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games was made possible with the funding and support from the Government of Ontario with a total funding contribution of $175,000. Overall, the Games generated an estimated $400,000 in local economic impact, with 20-percent of that going to businesses owned or operated by people with disabilities — a true reflection of Niagara’s inclusive spirit.
The legacy of the Games will live on through the creation of the Niagara Parasport Legacy Fund, established in partnership with the Niagara Community Foundation. With an expected endowment of $100,000, which includes a dedicated $10,000 from the Ministry’s financial contribution, the fund will support the launch of the Niagara Adapted Sport Hub (NASH) — a long-term initiative to expand accessible sport opportunities across the region.
Guided by the Games’ powerful motto, “Nothing for us or about us, without us,” the Hub will ensure people with disabilities continue to have a strong voice in shaping the future of sport in Niagara.
“Our government was proud to support the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games in the Niagara Region this summer. This event provided an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable talent of athletes from across the province, demonstrate the power of sport tourism to drive economic growth, and build a legacy that will expand accessible sport opportunities and benefit the community for decades to come,” said Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden.
“Thank you to Sport Niagara and all the supporters, sponsors, and volunteers who worked so hard to make these Games a success.”
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.
