Markham, Stouffville sporting groups aiming to host national events can tap into provincial funding program
Local sports groups hoping to host major tournaments and competitions in Markham, Stouffville, and across the province are receiving a financial shot in the arm from the province.
The Ontario government recently announced it is providing $3 million to boost Sport Tourism and help local economies. Applications for the first intake of the 2026-27 Ontario Sport Hosting Program are now being accepted.
The program, which has supported over 230 events since 2018 and contributed around $220 million to the province’s economy, provides funding support to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions.
It also helps provide local athletes in Markham, Stouffville and across Ontario with the elite-competition experience they need to succeed on the world stage, right here on their own turf.
“I welcome this investment to boost sport tourism in Ontario,” said Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham–Thornhill. “For a community like Markham–Thornhill, with strong youth programs and world-class sports facilities, this funding will help local groups host more tournaments and events right here at home.”
The sport hosting fund helps increase local tourism and create jobs across the province.
“Sport tourism is a powerful economic driver, and an important part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our Sport Hosting Program helps communities unlock the benefits of hosting major events and gives our athletes the opportunity to compete here at home, while reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events.”
The Ontario Sport Hosting Program brings together, on average, approximately 9,500 amateur athletes, 3,000 volunteers and 100,000 community supporters to the province.
The successful applicants can use funding to help cover operational costs, including venue, staffing, participant expenses (such as accommodations and meals) and legacy projects.
“When teams and families come to Markham, our hotels, restaurants, and small businesses all benefit,” said Kanapathi. “This is a wise, smart investment, giving young athletes more opportunities to grow (and) succeed, while strengthening our city and region at the same time.”
Through the 2025-26 Sport Hosting Program – Intake II, Ontario is investing more than $1.6 million to support 20 national and 10 international amateur sport events, which are expected to attract 10,000 athletes and generate more than $34 million in economic activity for Ontario.
Events that have been supported by the provincial program include the Canada Basketball’s 2025 GLOBL JAM in Toronto, the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in St. Catharines, and the 2025 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League Women’s National Championship in Durham Region.
“An investment in events like GLOBL JAM not only helps Canada Basketball showcase world-class basketball right here in Toronto, but also creates meaningful opportunities for young Canadian athletes to compete against the best in the world, while inspiring the next generation of players and fans across the province,” said Michael Bartlett, President and CEO, Canada Basketball.
The funding also helped Swimming Canada deliver two World Aquatics Swimming World Cups and multiple national championships, while creating opportunities for legacy community events.
“This investment strengthens our ability to host world-class competition in Ontario and ensures long-term benefits for our athletes, officials, and local Ontario sport communities,” said Suzanne Paulins, CEO, Swimming Canada.
Funding for the first intake of the Ontario Sport Hosting Program is available online until January 12, 2026, through Transfer Payment Ontario.
By Gene Pereira, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Markham Review
