Ontario Opens Applications for 2025–26 Sport Hosting Program to Boost Tourism and Local Economies

TORONTO — The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the second intake of its 2025–26 Sport Hosting Program, with $3 million in annual funding available to communities and sport organizations that plan to host national or international amateur sporting events.

The initiative is part of the province’s ongoing strategy to stimulate local economies, attract tourism, and support Ontario athletes by increasing opportunities to compete on home soil.

“Bringing more amateur sport events to Ontario gives our athletes a chance to compete at home, while fostering national unity and driving domestic tourism,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This protects local businesses and jobs at this crucial time.”

Funding for Events That Inspire and Deliver Economic Impact

The Ontario Sport Hosting Program offers funding support to help cover operational costs for amateur sport events — including venue rentals, staffing, accommodations, meals, and legacy infrastructure projects. The goal is to make Ontario a go-to destination for national and international competitions.

Since 2018, the program has supported more than 210 events, generating approximately $185 million in economic activity for the province.

In the first intake of the 2025–26 cycle, Ontario committed $1.7 million to support 30 amateur events — 20 national and 10 international — expected to bring in 12,000 athletes and create an estimated $29 million in economic activity.

Supporting Athletes and Communities

Each year, Ontario’s hosting program brings together an estimated:

• 9,500 athletes

• 3,000 volunteers

• 100,000 community supporters

Beyond economic benefits, the events provide local athletes with crucial elite-level experience, helping them prepare for international stages such as the Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics.

How to Apply

Municipalities and recognized sport organizations can apply online for Intake II funding through Transfer Payment Ontario. The application deadline is July 14, 2025.

For full details, applicants can visit the Ontario Sport Hosting Program page on the Ministry of Sport’s website.

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