Dodgeball ON Provincials, Dodgeball Canada Club Championships, and the Return of Dodge Wars Highlight Growing Momentum for the Sport in Niagara

Sport Niagara is proud to announce that Niagara has once again been selected to host two major provincial and national dodgeball championships in 2027, further strengthening the region's reputation as a premier destination for sport hosting and community sport development.

Building on the success of the 2026 Dodgeball ON Provincial Championships, Niagara will welcome the event back from February 26–28, 2027, bringing Ontario's top athletes and clubs together for a weekend of competition and community celebration.

Just two months later, Niagara will take center stage nationally as host of the Dodgeball Canada Club Championships from April 29–May 2, 2027, attracting teams from across the country to compete for national titles.

As part of the lead-up to these events, Sport Niagara will once again partner with the local dodgeball community to host the Dodge Wars – Corporate & Community Throw Down on January 30, 2027. The annual fundraiser invites local businesses, organizations, and community groups to take part in a fun and competitive day of dodgeball while helping support the delivery of both championship events.

The announcement reflects Sport Niagara's ongoing commitment not only to attracting major sporting events but also to growing participation opportunities within the community. Through its collaboration with Dodgeball St. Catharines, Sport Niagara continues to support the development of local programming, introduce new participants to the sport, and create pathways for athletes of all ages and abilities to become involved.


"Dodgeball has become a tremendous success story for Niagara," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "What began as a hosting opportunity has evolved into a true community partnership that is helping grow participation, strengthen local programming, and showcase Niagara as a destination capable of delivering exceptional sporting experiences. We are excited to welcome athletes, coaches, officials, families, and fans from across Ontario and Canada back to Niagara in 2027."

The return of the provincial championships reflects the strong partnership between Sport Niagara and Dodgeball Ontario, as well as the positive experience delivered during the 2026 event.

"The success of the 2026 Provincial Championships made Niagara an easy choice for our return in 2027," said Steve Villeseche, President of Dodgeball Ontario. "The collaboration between Sport Niagara, local volunteers, and the dodgeball community created an outstanding athlete experience. We are thrilled to continue building on that momentum and bring Ontario's best dodgeball athletes back to Niagara."

The national championships will further elevate Niagara's profile within the Canadian dodgeball community while creating significant economic and tourism benefits for the region.

"Dodgeball Canada's Club Championships represent the highest level of club competition in the country, and we are excited to bring this event to Niagara," said Matt Lawrence, President of Dodgeball Canada. "Sport Niagara has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in event hosting and a genuine passion for growing the sport. We look forward to welcoming teams from coast to coast and showcasing the incredible hospitality that Niagara is known for."

Together, the 2027 Dodgeball ON Provincial Championships, Dodgeball Canada Club Championships, and Dodge Wars fundraiser are expected to generate significant visitor activity throughout the region while creating lasting opportunities for local athletes, volunteers, and community members to engage with the sport.

For Sport Niagara, these events represent another example of how strategic sport hosting can create meaningful community impact—bringing people together, supporting local sport organizations, and inspiring the next generation of participants.

National and Provincial Championships to Generate Significant Economic Impact While Showcasing Niagara as a Premier Sport Tourism Destination. Sport Niagara, in partnership with Slo-Pitch National and Slo-Pitch Ontario, is proud to announce that Niagara Falls will host three major championship events in 2026, bringing some of the best slo-pitch athletes in Canada and internationally to the region.

The events are expected to attract more than 17,500 participants and spectators, generating significant economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, attractions, and businesses while further strengthening Niagara's reputation as one of Canada's premier sport tourism destinations.

The 2026 championship schedule includes:

● 2026 Men's & Women's Canadian Slo-Pitch Championships
August 8–15, 2026

● 2026 Pacific Rim Championships
August 26–28, 2026

● 2026 Ontario Play Slo-Pitch Provincial Championships
August 28–30, 2026
September 11–13, 2026
September 18–20, 2026

Collectively, the events will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and fans from across Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

The announcement represents the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Niagara and the sport of slo-pitch. Niagara has welcomed numerous provincial championship events over the years, establishing the region as one of the country's most recognized destinations for championship competition.

"Sport Niagara is excited to welcome these prestigious events back to our region," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "The return of national and provincial championship slo-pitch competition reflects the confidence that Slo-Pitch National and Slo-Pitch Ontario have in Niagara's ability to deliver exceptional event experiences. Beyond the competition itself, these events create meaningful economic benefits for our communities while showcasing the hospitality, facilities, and volunteer spirit that make Niagara a leading host destination."
With Niagara Falls serving as the backdrop, participants will have the opportunity to experience one of Canada's most iconic destinations while competing at the highest levels of the sport.

"Niagara has long been a favourite destination for our athletes and members," said Trish Harrow-Rodic, President, Slo-Pitch National. "The combination of outstanding facilities, experienced event partners, and the unique visitor experience offered by Niagara Falls makes this an ideal location for championship competition. We are thrilled to continue building on our history in Niagara and look forward to welcoming athletes and families from across Canada and around the world."

In addition to the competition, the championships will provide opportunities for local volunteers, community organizations, youth athletes, and businesses to become involved in one of the largest sport tourism initiatives taking place in Niagara in 2026.

The events align with Sport Niagara's ongoing commitment to attracting and supporting major sporting events that create lasting economic, social, and community benefits throughout the region.

As preparations begin, organizers encourage residents and local businesses to join in welcoming the thousands of visitors who will travel to Niagara to compete, connect, and celebrate Canada's game of slo-pitch.

About Sport Niagara
Sport Niagara is a not-for-profit organization committed to strengthening Niagara through sport. Through sport tourism, community sport development, and strategic partnerships, Sport Niagara works collaboratively to create opportunities that drive participation, economic impact, and community pride.

About Slo-Pitch National
Slo-Pitch National is a national governing body for organized slo-pitch in Canada, providing leadership, championship opportunities, and development pathways for athletes across the country.

Sport Niagara and Ridley College are proud to announce a new strategic partnership designed to strengthen sport development opportunities across Niagara through collaborative leadership in coaching education, officials development, and inclusive sport programming.

Through a newly established three-year partnership framework, the organizations will work together to create innovative pathways that support athletes, coaches, officials, and community sport leaders while advancing Niagara’s position as a leader in sport development and athlete support.

Built upon shared values of leadership, education, and community impact, the partnership will leverage Ridley College’s exceptional facilities and educational environment alongside Sport Niagara’s expertise in sport hosting, athlete development, and regional sport growth initiatives.

The strategic alliance will focus on three key areas:

1. Coaching Development
   Creating sustainable coaching education opportunities, mentorship programs, certification pathways, and leadership initiatives designed to support the next generation of coaches throughout Niagara.
   
   

2. Referee and Officials Development
   Developing new training and certification opportunities while establishing youth-focused pathways that encourage participation and leadership growth in officiating.
   
   

3. Para Sport and Inclusive Sport Advancement
   Expanding adaptive sport opportunities and strengthening Niagara’s leadership role in accessibility, inclusion, and para sport programming.

"This partnership represents an important investment in the future of sport across Niagara," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "Together with Ridley College, we are creating opportunities that extend well beyond competition. By strengthening coaching pathways, supporting officials, and advancing inclusive sport initiatives, we are helping build a stronger and more connected sport system for athletes and communities throughout our region."

"Ridley College has long believed in the power of sport as a vehicle for leadership, education, and personal growth," said Jay Tredway, Assistant Head of School, Co-curricular & Community Connection. "This partnership with Sport Niagara creates exciting opportunities to connect our students and community with meaningful development experiences that will have a lasting impact across Niagara."

The collaboration will also support broader community initiatives, including the ongoing development of inclusive sport opportunities and legacy projects designed to ensure sport remains accessible to all participants regardless of ability or background.

Together, Sport Niagara and Ridley College are not simply creating programs ; they are helping shape the future of sport in Niagara, positioning the region as a leader in athlete development, inclusive participation, and community-driven sport excellence.

For more information:
Visit www.sportniagara.ca or www.ridleycollege.com 

Sport Niagara and Row Ontario are pleased to announce a formal partnership that will strengthen traditional rowing programs in Niagara while also advancing the development of innovative rowing programs that expand participation, engagement, and excellence across the region.

Through this agreement, Sport Niagara and Row Ontario commit to working collaboratively on a shared development plan focused on three key program areas: coastal rowing, indoor rowing and e-rowing programs in schools. Together, these initiatives are designed to grow rowing participation year-round, create new competitive and recreational opportunities, and build long-term sustainability for the sport in Niagara and Ontario.

A central objective of the partnership is the establishment of sustainable coastal rowing programming in Niagara, including the identification of suitable locations, the delivery of safety and technique training clinics, and the creation of pathways to host regional, provincial, national, and international coastal rowing competitions. Environmental awareness and coastal stewardship will be embedded within this programming, reinforcing rowing’s connection to Niagara’s natural waterways.

The agreement also outlines a collaborative approach to developing indoor rowing events that are accessible to both recreational participants and high-performance athletes. Planned initiatives include seasonal challenges, virtual competitions, technology-enabled performance tracking, and annual indoor rowing festivals designed to attract broad community participation and media attention.

In addition, Sport Niagara and Row Ontario will work together to integrate e-rowing programs into schools across the region. These programs will introduce students to rowing through standardized digital resources, teacher training, inter-school virtual competitions, and educational sessions that connect sport with data analysis and sport science concepts.

Row Ontario will continue to operate within the shared Sport Niagara and Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario offices at Canada Games Park, supporting close coordination, shared planning, and daily collaboration between organizations.

The formalization of this partnership represents a positive and lasting legacy outcome of the 2024 World Rowing Championships hosted in Niagara, an event that highlighted the region’s capacity to deliver world-class sport experiences while fostering strong organizational collaboration.

Quote – Doug Hamilton, Chair, Sport Niagara
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to growing rowing in Niagara through innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning. The past success of many rowing events in Niagara has demonstrated what is possible in our region, and this partnership ensures that our previous successes translate into meaningful new programs and lasting impact.”

Quote – Andrew Backer, CEO, Row Ontario
“Niagara has a proud rowing history, and this partnership allows us to both honour that tradition and expand the sport in new and exciting ways. By working closely with Sport Niagara, we can deliver programs that engage youth, support athletes, and strengthen rowing’s presence across the community. We also intend to take the learnings from this partnership into different areas of the province.”

Rowing has deep roots in Niagara, shaped by its waterways, clubs, volunteers, and competitive success. This partnership reinforces a shared vision to ensure that rowing in Niagara continues to flourish — from grassroots participation to high-performance pathways — for generations to come.

For more information:
Visit www.sportniagara.ca or www.rowontario.ca