March 30 (Niagara Region news release)
Niagara’s selection as host of the 2021 Canada Summer Games was the result of years of hard work and extraordinary effort from the local community and dedicated volunteers, according to Regional Chair Al Caslin.
“I am tremendously proud of what Niagara has accomplished here today and the entire community should know our effort has produced an amazing result,” said Caslin. “This announcement demonstrates Team Niagara’s influence when we are unified together, working towards a common goal.”
Featuring 17 sports, over 250 events and a major cultural festival, the 2021 Canada Games will welcome over 5,000 athletes and coaches from across the country and more than 30,000 visitors.
The summer games are an important part of Canadian culture and promote “unity through sport.” The young athletes competing in the games represent their province or territory, with many of them going on to compete on the global stage at the Olympics. The event will mark the third time Ontario has hosted the Canada Summer games. Thunder Bay played host in 1981 and London in 2001.
“I would also like to thank all who were involved in making our bid a reality, particularly the leadership of our bid Chair Doug Hamilton. We would not have received this good news without you,” added Caslin. “I’m pleased, on behalf of all Niagara residents, to be able to welcome the thousands of athletes, coaches, visitors and dignitaries to our beautiful region.”
The bidding process for the 2021 summer games required all of Niagara to be united in their effort to bring the event to the region. Developing the bid required thousands of hours from volunteers, regional staff and Niagara’s 2021 Summer Games Bid Committee.
“This announcement today solidifies Niagara’s role as a major sporting destination, and I would like I acknowledge and thank everyone across Niagara who contributed to the development of our comprehensive case to secure the summer games,” said Doug Hamilton, Chair, 2021 Canada Summer Games Bid Committee. “The Canada Summer Games are an important part of developing athletes across our country and I’m proud that Niagara will be playing host to so many talented athletes, coaches, trainers and other supporters.”
It is projected that the games will have an economic impact of as much as $240 million across Niagara with support for 1,500 jobs and $76 million in salaries and wages.
As the summer games are a national event, they will be televised across the country with over 400 media members in attendance and 80 hours of national media coverage. The games are expected to attract 30,000 visitors along with many VIPs and dignitaries.
