The City of Brantford and the County of Brant will host the 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games, providing an opportunity for up to 1,400 Ontario athletes aged 55+ to come together, compete in a sport or activity they love and promote healthy and active living.
“Congratulations to the City of Brantford and the County of Brant for being selected to host the 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “With their track record of delivering successful events and history of sporting excellence, Brantford and Brant are perfect locations to welcome participants and spectators, and engage volunteers from near and far.”
The Ontario government is providing $235,000 to support both municipalities as they host the annual event next summer.
The Games also provide host communities with a unique tourism and economic development opportunity. Visitors, spectators and participants coming to Brantford and the County of Brant are expected to contribute $1.5 million to the economy by staying at local hotels, enjoying local restaurants, shopping locally and discovering nearby attractions.
“After the long delay from COVID-19, The County of Brant is even more excited to have the opportunity to co-host the Ontario 2023 55+ Summer Games. It is a great opportunity to work with the local community, volunteers and sports organizations to show off the athletic prowess of the County of Brant, and the City of Brantford. We look forward to supporting our athletes across the many competitions taking place,” said David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant.
The Games are delivered in partnership with the Ontario Senior Games Association, a not-for-profit organization that organizes local and regional 55+ competitions that are qualifiers for the Ontario 55+ Games. They include 19 sport and recreational activities, such as bid euchre, pickleball, five-pin bowling, golf, cribbage, cycling and more.
“The Ontario 55+ Summer Games are a wonderful opportunity for older adults from across the province to come together in the spirit of staying fit, active and connected. I know the City of Brantford and the County of Brant will be excellent hosts and I look forward to cheering on participants next summer,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
“Both in Queen’s Park and locally, I am advocating on how Brantford-Brant is a great place to live, work, grow and play. Thank you to Minister Lumsden for coming to our great community and I look forward to welcoming participants, family and visitors to Brantford-Brant-Six Nations as we celebrate 55+ Games next year,” added Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant.
