Ontario Summer Games' organizers, volunteers, athletes, and elected officials today gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2012 Games. The City of Toronto is hosting the Games, Ontario's largest multi-sport competition, from August 16 to19, with some pre-opening events on August 14, 15 and 16.

The Games will bring together about 2,500 amateur athletes competing in 28 sports in multiple venues across Toronto and surrounding regions (Brampton, Caledon, Oshawa, St. Catharines and Welland), as well as coaches, managers and officials from across the Province. It is a unique opportunity for many young athletes, as this multi-sport competition serves as a stepping stone to many national and international competitions.

"The McGuinty Government is proud to support the Ontario Summer Games, an exciting event that will showcase our province’s talented athletes, promote Toronto as a world class host and generate significant economic activity for the city," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "Fans from across Ontario will have a chance to cheer on our athletes, many of whom will go on to compete on national and international stages."

This afternoon’s lively event brought together Games' supporters for the unveiling of Bruce the Moose, the 2012 Games’ official mascot. The designs for the 2012 medals were revealed and all-access commemorative pins to the opening ceremony and all 28 Games sporting events went on sale for $25. In the spirit of the Games, Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday (Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre) and Toronto City Councillors participated in a ball hockey skill challenge.

"Toronto residents are looking forward to cheering on amateur athletes from around the Province in their quest for gold this summer," said Deputy Mayor Holyday. "Some of these athletes may be back in Toronto in three years to compete in the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. By delivering a great Ontario Summer Games in 2012, we are helping them achieve their dreams of competing internationally. It's a wonderful opportunity for our city and our young athletes."

The City is pleased to partner with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Sport Alliance Ontario, the Toronto Sports Council and Tourism Toronto in staging the Games.

"The Games are made successful not only through the delivery of high calibre competitions but also through the development of strategic partnerships and dedication of the Games Organizing Committee," expressed Holly Abraham, Chair of Sport Alliance Ontario.

"These Games will be an unprecedented opportunity not just for athletes and their families, but also for Torontonians volunteering to help stage the Games," said Rahul K. Bhardwaj, Chair of the 2012 Ontario Summer Games. "We’ve already signed up over a thousand volunteers, and through the Games’ legacy project, Playing for Keeps, these volunteers will help build Toronto’s social capital and create the inclusive, connected and active city we all want to live in."

For more information on the 2012 Ontario Summer Games, including the sports venues, sport descriptions and qualification processes, volunteer registration and more, visit the Games website at http://www.2012ontariosummergames.ca.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"We are very proud to be the Lead Partner of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games because we know that sport connects families, fosters communities and strengthens nations," said Richard Nesbitt, CIBC's Senior Executive Vice-President. "Today we are proud to announce initiatives that will create a lasting legacy for youth and sport in Canada."

Click here for the complete press release form CIBC.

(May 7, 2012) Coaches of Canada Launches NEW Website - Coaches of Canada has launched it's new member-focused website. 

Visit www.coachesofcanada.com  to access the latest information on coaches as professionals, membership with Coaches of Canada and to see the accomplishments of thier member coaches. The new site puts the spotlight on Canadian coaches who help drive Canada’s athlete-focused sport system.

(May 7,2012) Andrea Cohen Appointed CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation -  Andrea Cohen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Foundation, an agency of the Ontario government, is one of Canada’s leading grant-making organizations.

Andrea was chosen by the OTF Board of Directors following an extensive search that commenced in January. Leadership experience in the private or public sector, an understanding of the not-for-profit sector, grant-making experience and a proven ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders were important characteristics sought by the Board in its new CEO.

Click here for the complete story from the Ontario Trillium Foundaiton.

Click here for an update on the Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Brampton August 14- 16.

 (April 26, 2012) Petro-Canada’s FACE Program Supports Big Dreams  – Petro-Canada is continuing its legacy of helping Canadian athletes and coaches dream big by supporting 50 athlete and coach pairings through the Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence (FACE) program.

Working with National Sport Organizations across Canada, Petro-Canada’s FACE program provides developing (pre-carded) Canadian athlete and coach pairings with $8,000 in grants. These resources go a long way in helping athletes achieve national carded status and coaches improve their skills over the long term.

This list includes the following Ontario athletes:

Tom Dvorak, Equestrian – Dressage, Hillsburgh

Eleanor Harvey, Fencing, Hamilton (Ontario Games participant)

Patricia Bezzoubenko, Gymnastics – Rythmic, Thornhill

Elizabeth Knox, Women’s Hockey, Kitchener

Derek Langlois, Judo, Oshawa

Melanie McCann, Modern Pentathlon, Parkhill

Mac Marcoux, PARA Alpine*, Goulais River (Ontario Games participant)

Cynthia Berringer, PARA Swimming*, Etobicoke (Ontario Games participant)

Cody Caldwell, PARA Wheelchair Rugby*, Cavan (Ontario Games participant)

Thomas Ramshaw, Sailing, Toronto

Michael Ciccarelli, Snowboard-Freestyle, Ancaster (Ontario Games participant)

Ashley Lawrence, Soccer, Caledon (Ontario Games participant)

Erin Stamp, Swimming, Guelph (Ontario Games participant)

Hongtao Chen, Table Tennis, Ottawa

Click here for the complete article from the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Of the 33 finalists for this year’s Ontario Sport Awards, the following athletes received the top honours in a ceremony last night:

• Male Athlete of the Year — Patrick Chan (Figure Skating)
• Female Athlete of the Year — Whitney McClintock (Water Ski)
• Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year —  Mark Ledo (Para-cycling)
• Female Athlete with a Disability of the Year — Robbi Weldon (Para-cycling)

Team of the Year —  Victoria Altomare and Melissa Humana-Paredes (Volleyball)

News Release:  english   français

Backgrounder:   english    français

(April 12, 2012) CSCO to host High Performance Sport Symposium - The Canadian Sport Centre Ontario (CSC Ontario) is set to host its first two-day High Performance Sport Symposium, scheduled for April 13 & 14, 2012, at the Westin Prince Hotel, in Toronto. Under the theme of “Sport System Alignment”, the event will feature a day dedicated to Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs), and a day dedicated to an Elite Coaches’ Think Tank.

Release: click here

(April 10, 2012) OSGA 55+ Games Provincial Kick-Off Event - The Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA 55+ Games) are thrilled to announce that the 2012 Ontario 55+ District Summer Games will officially begin with a Provincial Kick-Off Event on April 16th, in Belleville at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. This event will also celebrate the OSGA 55+ Games 15 Year Anniversary as a Non-for-profit corporation. 

Media Release: click here

(April 10, 2012) Ministers’ Visit Signals Strong Support for Sport Portfolio - The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, MPP Don Valley West and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will be make an official visit to Sport Alliance Ontario today, Tuesday, April 10th beginning at 2:30 p.m. 

For more information click here

Corey Long : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 416-426-7173

Shelley Walushka : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 416-426-7424

Sneak It In Week is coming (April 9-13) - Lose the loafers. Give the heels a break. Get ready for Sneak It In Week, brought to you by ParticipACTION. Wear sneakers to work April 9-13 and see how easy it can be to fit in more activity.

Visit the website for more information 

The 2011 Ontario Sport Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and corporate sponsors who support amateur sport in Ontario.

News Release: english    français

Finalists Backgrounder: english   français

To view all Finalists: Click Here

(March 26, 2012) Baseball Ontario Mourns the Loss of Bob Humphries

(March 22, 2012) Sport venues set for 2012 Ontario Summer Games - The Organizing Committee for the 2012 Ontario Summer Games is pleased to announce the 26 Games venues where 2,500 athletes will compete in 28 team and individual sports, as part of Ontario's largest amateur, multi-sport event. The City of Toronto is hosting the Games from August 16 to 19, 2012, with some pre-opening events on August 14, 15 and 16.

News Release:   english    français

(March 15, 2012) 2017 Canada Summer Games Sports Selected - The Canada Games Council (CGC) is pleased to announce the final sports and disciplines selected for the 2017 Canada Summer Games, to be hosted in Manitoba.

News Release: english     français

(March 14, 2012) 2012 Ontario Winter Games Photos are Online - Pictures from the 2012 Ontario Winter Games in Collingwood March 8-11 are posted on the Ontario Games Facebook Page.

To view pictures from the Games, click here

(March 7, 2012) The 2012 Ontario Winter Games Have Arrived - The 2012 Ontario Winter Games are set to begin tomorrow, Thursday March 8th.  The four-day competition will see approximately 2,500 amateur athletes compete across 26 sports.  While the Town of Collingwood is named the official host of the Games, many other Georgian Bay communities, including Midland, Barrie, Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Town of the Blue Mountains, will be a part of the exciting sports action...

News Release: english français

New legislation, to be introduced later today, would help protect students engaging in school sports and health and physical education classes from the potentially serious, long-term and harmful effects of concussions.  It would also ensure that students who sustain concussions are not returning to play or learn too soon, risking further complications.

The Education Amendment Act (Concussions), 2012 is part of a new concussion strategy that will:

• provide resources to parents, teachers and school staff about the seriousness of concussions 

• build awareness beyond schools about the dangers of concussions and how they should be managed

• establish a committee to provide advice on concussion prevention, identification and management in schools and to study how evidence-based resources can be best used.

Sport Alliance Ontario and other organization's were asked by the Ontario Government to provide thier input on the new legislation. Click here to read what we and other organizations had to say.

(March 6, 2012) Sport Alliance Ontario Blood Donor Clinic a Huge Success - The Sport Alliance Ontario hosted its first ever blood donor clinic on March 1st and what a success it was. “Thank you to the 56 donors who provided such a vital gift" said Lore Dehmel Facility Services Manager at Sport Alliance Ontario. "For many yesterday, it was their first time donating blood.  We hope their experience encourages them to return to donate again in the near future."  Sport Alliance Ontario is looking to host another blood donor clinic in early June.

About Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit, charitable organization whose sole mission is to manage the blood and blood products supply for Canadians. Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. In fact, according to a recent poll , 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment. For more information on donating blood or Canadian Blood Services visit www.blood.ca

 Sixty-two (62) participants from across the province of Ontario engaged in this coaching program, which falls under the community sport initiation stream belonging to the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

 “Of the 10 different sports offering NCCP workshops at our Conference, we were very excited to see such a large enthusiastic contingent from Disc sports,” said Susan Kitchen, executive director, Coaches Association of Ontario. “Participants will benefit by having more knowledgeable coaches up their game.”

Click here  ODSA press release for the official press release from ODSA.

(February 24, 2012) Ontario Sport Awards Tickets On Sale Now! - Click here to purchase your tickets for the upcoming Ontario Sport Awards April 19th at the Atlantis Pavilion in Ontario Place.

"A great champion is not born overnight; it takes time, dedication and love and support," said Thom Lachman, President, Procter & Gamble Canada. "Moms give so much to see their children achieve their dreams and a helping hand for them can go a long way. This is why P&G is standing up for youth sports and partnering with KidSport Canada; it is our way of saying thank you mom."

Click here to read more

(February 1, 2012) Report From the Sport Alliance Ontario Chair - Holly Abraham - Click here to read the most recent report from Sport Alliance Ontario Chair Holly Abraham.

(January 27, 2012) Anne Merklinger Appointed New CEO of Own The Podium - Sport Alliance Ontario would like to congratulate Anne Merklinger for being appointed the new CEO of Own The Podium. Click here to read the news release from Own the Podium.

Forms and Criteria are available online, click here

(January 20, 2012) Statement from Holly Abraham regarding death of Canadian Athlete Sarah Burke - The following statement was issued today by Sport Alliance Ontario Chair, Holly Abraham:

(December 8, 2011) Sport Has A New Home At Queen's Park - SAO would like to announce that our collective efforts have paid dividends and there is a new Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport  (MTCS).
Together with Sport 4Ontario we asked you to put pressure on all levels of government through a "Where is Sport Campaign" and your efforts have been recognized with the best possible outcome.  Thanks to each of you for your efforts on this campaign and your commitment to sport.

“Ontario is home to some of the most talented people in the world.  From the stage, to the screen, to the stadium, Ontarians are renowned for their ability to perform.  These activities attract visitors from within our borders and beyond, to experience our dynamic province.   I’m delighted to introduce sport to my portfolio and will dedicate myself to strengthening our economic activity and job creation throughout the province.”—  Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

To read the official news article please, click here.

(November 29, 2011) Sport Canada Supports KidSport Canada – Sport Canada announced a contribution of $200,000 in 2011 to KidSport™ Canada to provide funding for youth across Canada to get healthy and physically active by participating in organized sport. Pete Quevillon, Director of KidSport British Columbia and Chair of the KidSport Canada Operations Committee says, “This infusion of support will allow the national organization to provide leadership and support to our provincial and community chapters that is critical to the continued growth of KidSport.” Nationally, over 50,000 kids received grants ranging from $200 to $500 to pay for registrations fees or equipment in 2010. The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) made the announcement on Friday, November 25th, at the 2011 Vanier Cup Championship Breakfast in Vancouver. To read more, click here.

To read a French version of this release please click here.

40th Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success at Sport Alliance Ontario - On Thursday November 4th, over 100 leaders in sport and recreation joined in to celebrate the inaugural Ontario Sport Administration Wall of Honour Induction, coinciding with the 40th Anniversary of Sport Alliance Ontario. 
The original “Sport Centre” concept was hatched following a landmark conference which was held in late 1968 at the Guildwood Inn in Scarborough.  At that time the well-known sport and recreation visionary, Bob Secord, proposed to the 48 provincial sport organizations that attended, that Ontario required a new plan for sport development – one that included a centralized “home for sports”. To read more please, Click Here.

(November 23, 2011) 2012 Penalty Free Sweepstakes - The Hockey Development Centre for Ontario, in partnership with its member associations and program sponsors, is pleased to announce the official launch of the 2012 Penalty Free Sweepstakes contest. The Sweepstakes is a provincial safety initiative created to foster fair play, skills, safety and sportsmanship in amateur hockey throughout Ontario. To read more please, Click Here.