Further funding to help Thunder Bay host the best young athletes in Ontario.

The province is investing up to $1.4 million for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games.

“Ontario is home to some of the best athletes in the world, and our government is proud to support our rising stars as they go for gold,” said Minister Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Investing in these Games supports the province’s double bottom line – enriching our pride of people and pride of place by helping athletes pursue excellence right here at home, while boosting tourism and the economic prosperity of Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.”

The games are estimated to have an economic impact of over $5 million, bringing in around 3,500 participants, with athletes aged 12-18, coaches, managers and officials  in more than 27 sports,  including alpine skiing, artistic swimming, speed skating and wheelchair basketball.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Ontario government and Minister Lisa MacLeod for selecting Thunder Bay to host the 2024 Ontario Winter Games,” said Thunder Bay’s Mayor. “This will be the first time these games have been held in Thunder Bay since 1974. We look forward to welcoming the best young athletes from across Ontario to our city and providing them with our exceptional Northwestern Ontario hospitality. I would also like to thank our local bid committee for all of their efforts to see these games ‘Return to the North’. It was a privilege to work with this fine group of community volunteers and city staff.”

The 2022 Ontario Winter Games were to be held in the County of Renfrew, but were postponed until next year.