London to host 2024 Ontario Summer Games

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO/YOUTUBE
London Mayor Ed Holder speaks at a news conference at the North London Athletic Fields.

On Tuesday June 22, the Ontario government announced the City of London will host the 2024 Ontario Summer Games. The games, which had originally been slated for 2020, were rescheduled to 2021, but due to COVID-19, will not go on.

The City will also receive a hosting grant of $1 million for the games, which will be used to offset operational costs, including accommodation, food, and transportation for athletes.

Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod announced the games at a news conference Tuesday morning, alongside London Mayor Ed Holder and Chair of Tourism London, Chrstine Stapleton.

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“The City of London’s world-class facilities, dedicated volunteers and experience hosting large-scale events make it a premier sport hosting destination,” said MacLeod in the statement. “I look forward to working with games organizers and am proud to provide up to $1 million to bring this event back here in 2024.”

The Ontario Summer Games are used by many athletes to prepare for larger scale national and international competitions. According to the province, the games are also expected to boost the local economy with an economic impact of about $5 million.

“But you know what’s truly priceless?” said Mayor Ed Holder. “It’s the memories and community spirit these types of games generate.”

London hosted the 2018 Ontario Summer Games, where over 200 Londoners volunteered to assist.