November 10, 2026
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Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, minister of rural affairs, and sports minister Brian Saunderson, have announced that the province is now accepting applications for the first intake of the 2027-28 Sport Hosting Program, which provides more than $3-million in funding to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions.
As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing in sport tourism to help communities unlock the economic benefits of hosting major sporting events, attract more visitors, create jobs and strengthen local economies across the province.
Since 2018, Ontario's Sport Hosting Program has invested nearly $20-million to support more than 300 national and international amateur sporting events, contributing $278-million to the province's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Recent events supported through the program include:
U20 Canadian Curling Championship and U21 Canadian Mixed Doubles Championship in Sudbury
2026 North American Open Kickboxing Championships in Markham
Upcoming 2026 CCAA Women's Soccer Championship in Cambridge
The program helps communities attract visitors, boost tourism and generate economic growth while giving Ontario athletes valuable opportunities to compete at the highest levels and excel on the world stage.
Organizations can apply for the 2027-28 Ontario Sport Hosting Program - Intake I funding on-line through Transfer Payment Ontario until Jan. 11, 2027.
QUICK FACTS:
The Ontario Sport Hosting Program provides $3-million, annually, to help communities and sport organizations host national and international amateur sporting events.
Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program brings together, on average, approximately 12,500 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.
The government's investments through Ontario's $500-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund help communities upgrade and build new sport facilities, enabling more hosting opportunities.
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