Niagara wins bid to host Canada Summer Games in 2021

The Niagara Region has been awarded the 2021 Canada Summer Games.

Niagara was chosen overbids from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa and Sudbury. The decision was announced Thursday.

Olympicchampionkayaker Adam VanKoeverdenmedalledfor Team Ontario at the 1997 Canada Summer Games. Hesaid thecompetition wasessential to his development as an Olympic athlete.

"Canada Games was my first multi-sport games experience, and actually my first-time racing for a team other than theBurloakCanoe Club," saidKoeverden. "It was my first team trip, my first track suit, my first opening ceremonies and my first media interview. I look back on Brandon 1997 with gratitude for a whole host of first-time experiences, and I look forward to future Canada Games as our next generation of athletes start their careers in sport competing for their Provinces and Territories."

"We are thrilled to welcome Canadian athletes, their families and coaches to Ontario and show them all the warmth and hospitality our province has to offer,"Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Eleanor McMahon said."The Games not only provide our athletes with an important chance to compete at a national level, they also help strengthen the local economy, increase local pride and increase volunteerism."

Tom Quinn, Canada Games Council Chairman said "The 2021 bid evaluation process was extremely competitive with four remarkable communities putting forth outstanding bids to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games. Everyone involved in the bids should be very proud of what they accomplished. It was rewarding for our entire committee to see such passion for the Canada Games in each community."