Some of Ontario’s top youth athletes are in Waterloo Region this weekend for the 2026 Ontario Summer Games. The event features 4,200 athletes and more than 600 coaches competing in 23 sports across 19 venues in the region and nearby Guelph. An opening ceremony at University Stadium in Waterloo on Friday night welcomed competitors to the games. “It feels good. It’s a great experience, and I’m happy to play,” said TJ Campbell, a shortstop with the Simcoe Giants baseball team. Simcoe Giants coach Jeff Shortt said the team is excited to be back after competing two years ago. “Because they moved the age up to 16U, we’re able to come again,” Shortt said. “So it’s a great experience.” Running through Sunday, athletes between the ages of 12 and 18 are competing across Waterloo Region and at Guelph Lake. Allister Scorgie, chair of the games organizing committee and director of sport hosting for Explore Waterloo Region, said the event serves as a launchpad for young talent. “A lot of these athletes, this is their first major sporting event,” Scorgie said. “For most, they will never have been to a multi-sport games like this. So, for many, this is kind of the first step on their pathway as an athlete.” Scorgie said organizers hope to see some of this weekend’s competitors move on to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or future Canada Games. “For some athletes, this is probably the biggest event they’ll ever be part of. For others, a select few, it’s just the start,” he said. Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo are housing athletes, while some officials and medical personnel are staying at Conestoga College. Shortt praised the local hospitality and accommodations. “They’ve been doing a great job,” he said. “We got to check in and our meals were great and everything’s been really good so far.” Scorgie noted competitors have traveled from across Ontario, ranging from Windsor and Ottawa to northern communities like Thunder Bay. Hotels across the region are nearly fully booked by visiting families and spectators, while 1,200 volunteers are helping deliver the event. Olu Ogunde, a parent visiting from Windsor, said the atmosphere feels like a “mini Olympics.” Ogunde has an 11-year-old competing in U14 track and field and a 15-year-old in U16. Waterloo resident Adrian Buchanan said his son is competing in U17 flag football on a team composed of U14 players. “It’s quite an honour to have been invited,” Buchanan said, adding that as a University of Waterloo employee, he enjoys seeing the campuses filled with visitors. Organizers estimate the event will generate at least $6 million in local economic impact alongside lasting community benefits. Scorgie highlighted facility upgrades at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School and new rugby infrastructure at the University of Waterloo, as well as scoreboards and equipment that will be donated to local sports clubs. All competitions are free to attend, with full schedules published on the official games website.
