Ontario Parasport Games Kicked off in Mississauga

#Sauga2022Games  @citymississauga

Mississauga has officially kicked off the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games. Hundreds of athletes, spectators, and special guests gathered together this evening to mark the beginning of a two-day athletic competition.

The opening ceremony was held at Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS) and featured an official ceremony with remarks from Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Gimma Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, along with video remarks from Mississauga Host Councillors Pat Saito, Ward 9 and Matt Mahoney, Ward 8 and Games Co-Chairs, Susan Stewart and Billy Bridges, Olympic Parasport athletes, read a press release.

The opening ceremony also included an athletes’ parade, a torch relay and lighting of the cauldron, capped off with a headlining performance by Mississauga’s very-own, Alex Porat.

“Mississauga is honoured to host the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games. I’m thrilled to be celebrating this important sporting event together and in person once again,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We welcome all of the athletes, from those that have travelled far and wide to our homegrown competitors, as they strive for gold in our world-class sporting facilities.”

The Ontario Parasport games are comprised of 500 participants ages 12 to 35. Athletes will compete in nine different sports this weekend, including sledge hockey, wheelchair tennis and basketball, sitting volleyball, para-karate, 5-A side-soccer, boccia, para-athletics and goalball.

“On behalf of myself and my Parasport Games Co-Host Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney, we want to thank our Games Co-Chairs, Susan and Billy, for their guidance, experience and knowledge throughout our journey to deliver this weekend’s games,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor and Games Host Councillor. “We also want to congratulate all of our athletes for their outstanding achievements as well as their coaches and families whose support and encouragement helped them get to this point in their athletic careers. We know a lot of hard work, sacrifice and dedication has brought you to this day and we wish everyone the best of luck as you begin this weekend of incredible competition.”