FAQs
Common Questions
When and where are the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games?
Sport Niagara will be hosting the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games beginning Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1, 2025. The Games will take place at multiple sporting facilities across the Niagara region, including the new Canada Games Park in Thorold – a legacy facility of the 2022 Canada Summer Games. A full list of venues is posted on the Games website.
How many participants will there be at the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games?
The Games will feature over 400 athletes competing in 12 sports. We are proud to welcome over 700 total participants including athletes, coaches, managers, sport assistants, and officials.
How was the Niagara region selected as the host?
The Niagara region was awarded the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games by the Ministry of Sport through a competitive bid process.
Athletes / Participants
How do I qualify to participate in the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games and are there any age restrictions?
Participants/teams are selected by each sport’s respective Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) through a qualification or selection process. PSOs are also responsible for determining eligibility requirements and rules for their respective competitions.
Please contact your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
I have qualified for the Games; how do I register?
Registration for the Games is completed under the direction of each sport's Provincial Sport Organization. Please contact your sport's Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
How much does it cost to participate in the Games?
A registration fee is charged by the Host to the Provincial Sport Organization for each athlete and athlete assistant attending the Games. Participation fees may vary by sport at the discretion of the Provincial Sport Organization if there are additional costs required to participate in the Games such as uniforms, officials' fees, training, etc. Please consult with your Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
How do I pay my registration fee?
Registration fees are paid through each sport's Provincial Sport Organization. Please consult your sport's Provincial Sport Organization for more information regarding registration fees.
Where will I be staying at the Games? When will I find out?
All participants will be housed in accommodations provided by the Games. [Host to provide additional details as needed]. Participant accommodations will be communicated to you by your Provincial Sport Organization. For the safety of all participants, accommodation locations of each sport are not publicly posted.
What is provided to me at the Games accommodations?
Each room will have bed linens, pillow, blanket, towel, face cloth, soap and drinking cup [or other details as applicable]
What should I bring with me to the Games?
Participants must bring any items necessary to compete in your sport (e.g., uniforms, sport equipment, etc.) and their health card. Each participant is responsible for all their belongings at the sport venues and accommodations. Any valuables should always be kept secured. Please consult with your PSO for specific items you may be required to bring and what arrangements, if any, have been made for storage. (e.g., sport equipment, bags etc.)
What food will I receive at the Games?
All participants will receive three meals a day starting with dinner on the night of the Opening Ceremony/registration to breakfast of the last day of competition for their sport. Additional meals may be offered to participants at the direction of the Provincial Sport Organization and Games organizers. Any additional food outside of the three meals a day is the responsibility of the participant. If participants choose to bring snacks, please be aware that access to refrigerators may be limited or not available in the accommodations. Non-perishable nut free snacks would be encouraged.
I have an allergy/dietary restriction, how will the Games ensure I receive the correct meal?
All food allergy/dietary restriction information is collected through the registration process. Food services will use this information to plan meals for all participants. During meal periods, participants should notify Games representative(s) onsite of specific allergies/dietary restrictions.
Can friends and family visit me in my accommodations?
No, for the safety of all participants, friends and family must remain out of the Games accommodations during the Event. Only accredited individuals are permitted in accommodations.
How do I get to the Games?
All participants will be responsible for organizing their own travel to the Games. Participants who are arriving by train or airplane must have travel pre-approved through their Provincial Sport Organization. Games organizers will arrange for transportation for participants with pre-approved travel to and from airport or train stations to the Games accommodations. Please contact your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information regarding where and when to arrive at the Games. During the Games participants will be transported to and from their venue, accommodations, and special events.
When will competition schedules be posted?
Competition schedules are set by the Provincial Sport Organizations and will be posted as they are available.
Volunteers
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Volunteers at the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games must be at least 14 years of age as of May 30, 2025.
What will I be doing as a volunteer? Can I choose what sport I volunteer at?
Through your registration form you will be able to indicate sports you are interested in volunteering with, skills you may be able to offer and your availability. Based on the information you provide while registering, the Games will do their best to offer you a position of interest and that best suits your skill set. Training will be provided to all volunteers prior to the Games and just-in-time on site.
Is there a deadline to apply to volunteer?
[host to provide details]
Is there a minimum number of hours/days I need to volunteer?
[host to provide details]
Will a meal be provided during my shift?
All volunteers working a shift longer than four hours will be entitled to a meal.
I have an allergy/dietary restriction, how will the Games ensure I receive the correct meal?
All food allergy/dietary restriction information is collected through the registration process. Food services will use this information to plan meals for all participants. During meal periods, participants should notify Games representative(s) onsite of specific allergies/dietary restrictions.
I have a disability and require accommodations; can I still volunteer?
Yes, you can identify your specific needs and accommodations requirements through the registration form. A member of the Games Organizing Committee will be in contact if further information is required in order to place you in a volunteer position.
Do I have to get a background check completed?
[Host to provide details]
When will I know if I have been selected?
[Host to provide details]
Do I have to attend a training session?
Yes, all volunteers are required to attend one pre-Games volunteer training session. Multiple training session times will be offered and will be communicated to you closer to the Games. Other options may be provided to volunteers who are not local.
Who do I contact if I have volunteer questions?
[Host to provide details]
Will the Games cover my expenses to volunteer (transportation, parking, accommodations)?
No, all volunteers are responsible for their own expenses.
Can volunteer hours from the Games be used towards my high school diploma?
Yes, forms for completed hours can be signed by your supervisor on the last day of the Games.
I registered to volunteer, but my availability has changed, or I am no longer available to volunteer. What should I do?
Please contact [contact name and info] to inform us of your change in availability
Sponsorship
Where can I learn about sponsorship and vendor opportunities for the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games?
Those interested in partnership opportunities with the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Ontario Games are asked to fill out a Sponsorship Inquiry Form.
Media
How can I obtain media credentials for the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games?
Members of local media outlets can register on our website for media credentials for the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games by filling out a Media Registration Form.