Brantford Selected to Host 2027 Ontario Parasport Games

Province’s $200,000 investment will support athletes, drive tourism and boost Ontario as a top sports destination

BRANTFORD — The Ontario government is investing $200,000 to support the City of Brantford’s successful bid to host the 2027 Ontario Parasport Games, the province’s largest multi-sport event for para-athletes. Supporting these Games is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by helping communities attract visitors from across the province, drive domestic tourism and strengthen the local economy.

“Our government is proud to support the 2027 Ontario Parasport Games in Brantford that will give Ontario’s best athletes the chance to compete with their peers from across the province as they prepare for the Paralympics and beyond,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Building on the success of hosting previous Ontario Games, I am confident that Brantford will deliver an unforgettable event that attracts visitors, boosts the local economy and provides our athletes with the elite competition experience needed to excel on the national and international stages.”

With more than 400 participants, including athletes, coaches and assistants across 10 sports, such as wheelchair basketball, goalball, para ice hockey, wheelchair curling and more, the Games are expected to generate an economic impact of over $750,000 for Brantford’s economy. Ontario’s investment will support the City of Brantford and the Games Organizing Committee with the implementation and delivery of these Games.

“The City of Brantford is honoured to be selected as the host for the 2027 Ontario Parasport Games,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor of Brantford. “Brantford has a long tradition of sporting excellence, a title earned by hosting hundreds of tournaments each year. This is an exciting opportunity to once again showcase our city’s exceptional sport facilities, strong community partnerships and spirit of volunteerism. We look forward to welcoming the athletes to our community and celebrating their incredible athletic achievements.”

Games Ontario events increase domestic tourism, provide communities with valuable experience in hosting events, develop a base of qualified volunteers and encourage more people to participate in future Games and sports tourism events.

Quick Facts

• Held every two years, the Ontario Parasport Games are a competitive experience that prepares athletes for national and international competition at events like the Canada Games, Parapan Am Games and Paralympics.

• The Ministry of Sport leads a competitive bidding process to select a host municipality for each of the five provincial multi-sport Games, including the Ontario Summer and Winter Games (for youth), the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games and the Ontario Parasport Games.

• The City of Brantford previously hosted the 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games and the 2017 Ontario Parasport Games.

• Bidding for the 2029 Ontario Parasport Games is currently open with expressions of interest due May 15, 2026. Bid timelines for all Ontario Games are available on the ministry’s Ontario Games Bid Guidelines webpage.

Quotes

“Sport has a powerful ability to unite us all. The athletes who will gather here remind us of how, through hard work and perseverance, all of us can achieve our dreams and inspire others.”

– Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

“I am pleased to be part of a government that sees the value of supporting sports competitions of all levels and abilities. We have a proven track record of hosting amazing games and competitions here in our community and I look forward to celebrating 2027 with all of the volunteers, coaches and competitors.”

– Will Bouma
MPP for Brantford-Brant

“This is great news to see the continued investment from the Ministry of Sport to create opportunities for competition at the provincial level for para athletes! Building off the success of previous Games, the City of Brantford will ensure that in 2027, a safe and competitive environment for all involved as we grow parasport pathways and opportunities for participation across Ontario.”

– James Murphy
Executive Director of Parasport Ontario

“It’s an absolute honour to be a part of this and for the Parasport Games to be coming back to Brantford is incredible for our community and for young up and coming para-athletes to be able to take part and show off their skills. I’m really looking forward to watching and chatting with everyone who attends.”

– Garrett Riley
Team Canada Paralympic ice hockey player