Ontario Parasport Games kick off in Mississauga this weekend
Published May 10, 2022 at 3:41 pm
The 2022 Ontario Parasport Games take place this weekend in Mississauga, with the opening ceremony kicking things off on Friday night at Celebration Square.
The opening ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with the parade of athletes followed by welcoming remarks from Mayor Bonnie Crombie.
“Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in the festivities and cheer on the dedicated and accomplished competitors,” City of Mississauga officials say.
On Saturday and Sunday, more than 500 participants ages 12 to 35 from across Ontario will compete in nine different sports–sledge hockey, wheelchair tennis and basketball, sitting volleyball, para-karate, 5-A side-soccer, boccia, para-athletics and goalball.
The opening ceremony will also feature remarks from Gimma Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and recorded greetings from host councillors Pat Saito and Matt Mahoney, as well as Games co-chairs Susan Stewart and Billy Bridges.
The evening will end with a headline performance by Mississauga singer Alex Porat.
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In 2019, Mississauga was named host city for both the 2022 Ontario Parasport Games and 2022 Ontario Summer Games (July 21-24).
The Ontario Parasport Games, originally scheduled for 2021, were postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s a rundown of Friday night’s opening ceremony:
- 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Athletes parade
Welcoming remarks by Mayor Bonnie Crombie
Traditional Indigenous Smudging and greetings from Gimma Stacey Laforme - 7:30 to 8 p.m.
Dignitary greetings
Athletes’ oaths
Torch relay
Official lighting of the cauldron
8 to 8:30 p.m.
Headlining performance by Canadian pop singer, Alex Porat