Ontario Sport Hosting Program Applications Now Open
The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the second intake of the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program, which provides funding support to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions. This program is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by helping communities attract visitors, boost tourism, create good-paying jobs and strengthen the local economy.
“Hosting and competing in major sporting events is a critical part of the Ontario and Canadian identity,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Combined with our government’s $500 million investment in sport and recreation infrastructure, the Sport Hosting Program ensures that Ontario communities have both the facilities and funding to attract major events, giving our athletes the chance to compete on home soil.”
Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program assists organizers and Ontario communities by providing $3 million in funding support to host a variety of winter and summer national and international amateur sport events, reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for sport hosting.
The program has supported over 260 events since 2018, contributing approximately $236 million to Ontario’s economy. Recent events supported through the program include the 2026 FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Collingwood, 2026 Canadian Under-20 Curling Championship and Under-21 Mixed Doubles Championship in Sudbury, 2026 Canadian Ringette Championships in Ottawa and the 2026 Kickboxing National Championship in Mississauga.
In addition to bringing economic and tourism benefits to communities, hosting sport events benefits Ontario athletes by giving them the opportunity to gain the elite-competition experience needed to excel on the world stage.
Organizations can apply for the 2026-27 Ontario Sport Hosting Program – Intake II funding online through Transfer Payment Ontario until July 13, 2026.
Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program builds on previous action the province has taken to create more opportunities for communities through sport and recreation, including the government’s $500 million investment in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to build and upgrade sport and recreation facilities in communities across the province.
Quick Facts
- Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program brings together, on average, approximately 12,000 amateur athletes, 3,500 volunteers and 100,000 community supporters to Ontario.
- Successful applicants can use this funding to help with operational costs, including venue, staffing, participant expenses (such as accommodations and meals) and legacy projects.
- Through the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program – Intake I, Ontario is investing more than $1.3 million to support 26 amateur national and international sport events, which are expected to include nearly 10,000 athletes and generate approximately $28 million in economic activity for Ontario.