Strategic partnership combines sport hosting expertise with world-class destination experiences to attract major sporting events, strengthen Niagara's visitor economy and create lasting community benefits.

Sport Niagara and Niagara Falls Tourism are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership designed to strengthen Niagara Falls' position as a premier sport tourism destination, attract new provincial and national sporting events, and generate meaningful economic and community benefits throughout Niagara.

The formalized collaboration brings together Sport Niagara's expertise in sport event attraction, bid development, hosting and industry relationships with Niagara Falls Tourism's destination marketing leadership, hospitality partnerships and internationally recognized visitor experiences.
Together, the organizations will pursue new opportunities to welcome athletes, coaches, officials, families and spectators to Niagara Falls, delivering exceptional experiences both on and beyond the field of play.
A Collaborative Approach to Sport Tourism | The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Niagara's competitive position within Canada's sport tourism landscape through coordinated event attraction, strategic partnerships and exceptional event delivery.
By combining resources, expertise and industry relationships, Sport Niagara and Niagara Falls Tourism will work collaboratively to identify and pursue sporting events that generate overnight visitation, support local businesses and showcase Niagara Falls as an outstanding destination for sport, recreation and tourism.

"Niagara has demonstrated time and again that we have the facilities, expertise, hospitality and community partnerships to deliver exceptional sporting events," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "This partnership with Niagara Falls Tourism represents another important step forward in our Team Niagara approach, bringing together complementary strengths to pursue new hosting opportunities and create experiences that extend well beyond the competition itself. Together, we are building on Niagara's reputation as a destination where sport thrives, visitors feel welcomed and communities benefit."

Beyond the Competition: The Niagara Experience | With its iconic natural attractions, diverse accommodations, vibrant hospitality sector and established sport and recreation infrastructure, Niagara Falls offers event organizers an opportunity to deliver more than a competition.
Athletes and their families can enjoy a destination that combines high-quality sporting experiences with memorable attractions, entertainment, dining and opportunities to explore everything Niagara has to offer.

For Niagara Falls Tourism, the partnership creates new opportunities to connect the city's visitor economy with the growing sport tourism sector, strengthening relationships with event organizers and expanding the destination's reach into provincial and national sport markets.
"Sport and tourism are built on the same thing: shared experiences that bring people together," said Adam Stiles, Interim President and CEO of Niagara Falls Tourism. "Working with Sport Niagara allows us to combine our strengths, connect with event organizers and position Niagara Falls as a destination where people can come to compete, connect and experience our community. When athletes, families and fans travel here for an event, they also get to enjoy everything else Niagara Falls has to offer, and many leave planning their next visit. We look forward to building on this partnership to attract events that generate lasting value for our tourism industry and local businesses."

Building on Niagara's Sport Hosting Legacy | Niagara's proven experience delivering provincial, national and multi-sport competitions has established a strong foundation for continued growth in sport tourism.

This new collaboration builds on that momentum, reinforcing the importance of coordinated partnerships among sport organizations, tourism leaders, municipalities, venues and community stakeholders.

Through a shared approach to event attraction, destination promotion and hosting support, Sport Niagara and Niagara Falls Tourism aim to create a stronger pipeline of sporting events while maximizing opportunities for overnight visitation, economic activity and long-term community benefits.

Ultimately, the partnership represents more than attracting competitions. It is about showcasing Niagara's collective strengths, creating new opportunities for sport and tourism, and continuing to build a destination where athletes, visitors and communities can thrive.

Community nominations are now open to recognize outstanding athletes, teams, coaches, sport builders, and community leaders who inspire excellence, inclusion, and opportunity through sport.

NIAGARA, ON – October 2026 – Every champion has a story worth celebrating. Sport Niagara is proud to announce the launch of the Sport Niagara Champion Awards, a new signature regional recognition program honouring the exceptional individuals and teams whose passion, perseverance, and performance continue to shape Niagara's vibrant sporting community.

From remarkable athletic achievements to the dedication of coaches, volunteers, advocates, and community sport leaders, the Champion Awards will shine a spotlight on those who inspire excellence, champion inclusion, strengthen local sport, and make a lasting difference across Niagara's 12 municipalities.

"Every champion has a story, and across Niagara, there are extraordinary individuals whose passion, perseverance, and performance deserve to be celebrated," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "Through the Sport Niagara Champion Awards, we want to recognize not only athletic achievement, but also the coaches, volunteers, advocates, and sport builders whose dedication strengthens our communities, removes barriers to participation, and inspires the next generation."

Celebrating Niagara's Sporting Champions

The Sport Niagara Champion Awards will recognize outstanding achievements, leadership, and contributions across seven award categories:

● Athlete of the Year – Recognizing exceptional athletic achievement and performance.

● Para Athlete of the Year – Celebrating outstanding athletic achievement and excellence in parasport.

● Team of the Year – Honouring a team that has demonstrated exceptional performance, teamwork, and success.

● Champion – Sport Builder – Recognizing individuals whose leadership and dedication have contributed to the growth and development of sport.

● Champion – Adaptive Sport Builder – Celebrating individuals whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy advance inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people living with disabilities. This award recognizes those who break down barriers, build meaningful partnerships, and create lasting opportunities for participation and belonging through sport.

● Champion – Coach – Recognizing coaches whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment inspire athletes to achieve their full potential.

● Sport Ambassador – Honouring individuals whose contributions and advocacy have positively influenced Niagara's sporting community.

Niagara, It's Time to Nominate Your Champions! Sport Niagara is calling upon local sport organizations, clubs, schools, athletes, families, and community members to help identify and celebrate the individuals and teams who have made an extraordinary impact on sport throughout Niagara in 2026.

Whether achieving excellence on the provincial, national, or international stage, mentoring young athletes, advancing adaptive sport opportunities, or working tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen community sport, these are the stories that deserve to be told.

Nominations are now open and will close on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Finalists will be announced in December 2026 and celebrated at the inaugural Sport Niagara Champion Awards Breakfast on Friday, March 12, 2027.

The celebration will bring together athletes, coaches, sport organizations, community leaders, and partners from across Niagara to recognize outstanding accomplishments and the collective strength of the region's sporting community.

Passion | Perseverance | Performance More than an awards ceremony, the Sport Niagara Champion Awards represents a commitment to celebrating the people, achievements, and stories that define Niagara's sporting spirit.

Every champion deserves recognition. Every achievement deserves celebration. Every story has the power to inspire.

To learn more about the award categories, eligibility requirements, and nomination process, or to submit a nomination,
visit: www.sportniagara.ca/awards

In partnership with Sport Niagara, Row Ontario is pleased to announce the inaugural RowOn Indoor Hat Trick, a new festival-style indoor rowing event debuting Sunday, November, 15, 2026 at Canada Games Park in Niagara. The event will mark Row Ontario’s first-ever indoor rowing competition and serve as the pilot for an innovative new regatta format designed to expand participation and bring the sport to new audiences.
Built around the number three, the RowOn Indoor Hat Trick is designed for everyone from complete beginners to experienced rowers. Participants will compete in three short events; (1) Peak Power (2) Three-Minute Test, and (3) Step Up or Out; combining ranked racing, season-baseline testing and open come-try opportunities. The format will provide competitive rowers with meaningful off-water racing while offering newcomers an accessible, low-barrier introduction to rowing.

About the Events
The three events in the RowOn Hat Trick are built around three ways of measuring the same two things – how much power an athlete can produce and how long they can hold it. One is an established way of measuring peak power, one is a fixed-time race for distance, and one is a power ladder built for this event.

● Peak Power – Three self-paced maximal surges in one three-minute window — the highest single stroke in watts is the score, and the day’s baseline.
● Three-Minute Test - All out for three minutes, head-to-head in waves — the most metres wins.
● Step Up or Out – A universal power ladder that starts easy and rises every 30 seconds — climb as far as you can, and your peak stage is your score.

Placing points will be awarded and summed across the three events with scoring designed so no athlete goes home empty-handed. Placings, Power Efficiency Rating, the ‘Hat Trick Award’, and club standings will all be incorporated into event results.

Quote – Andrew Backer, CEO, Row Ontario
“Indoor rowing has the potential to take rowing to a new audience and really help grow the sport. We view hosting this pilot of the RowOn Indoor Hat Trick as the first step in building a meaningful indoor race schedule throughout the off-water months. It’s also a very exciting moment for us as an organization since it will be the first indoor rowing event we’ve ever hosted. Bringing this event to the Ontario rowing community wouldn’t have been possible without our partners at Sport Niagara and we can’t thank them enough for their guidance and enthusiasm in getting this concept for a new indoor rowing event off the ground and running. The participants can look forward to an inclusive, high-energy event and we’re all excited to see this new concept in action.”

Quote – Dan Kennedy, Executive Director, Sport Niagara
“We’re proud to partner with Row Ontario to bring the inaugural RowOn Indoor Hat Trick to Niagara. This innovative format is exactly the kind of event we want to help foster in our region; one that creates a meaningful competitive experience for athletes while also making the sport approachable for people who may be trying rowing for the first time. We look forward to welcoming Ontario’s rowing community to Canada Games Park and helping Row Ontario launch what has the potential to become an exciting addition to the indoor rowing calendar.”

While indoor rowing is new to the Row Ontario race calendar, there’s a long history of indoor rowing events in Ontario, including the annual Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships and Nancy Storrs Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships. In 2023, the World Rowing Indoor Championships took place in Mississauga and welcomed athletes from across the world.
Further announcements about the RowOn Indoor Hat Trick, including the full event format, schedule and participation information, will be shared by Row Ontario in the coming weeks.

About Row Ontario
Row Ontario is the provincial sport organization responsible for the development and promotion of rowing across Ontario, supporting athletes, coaches, umpires, clubs, and communities at all levels of the sport.

The 16-year-old Niagara Falls athlete will compete in a Provincial Championship at home for the first time when Ontario's top taekwondo athletes arrive at Canada Games Park this October

NIAGARA, ON – September 15, 2026 | At just 16 years old, Niagara Falls athlete Violet Yerich has already established herself as one of Ontario's emerging taekwondo talents, earning Junior and Senior Provincial Championship titles during the 2025–2026 season and bronze and silver medals at the Taekwondo Canada Junior National Championships.

Yet throughout her competitive journey, Violet has never had the opportunity to compete in a Provincial Championship in her hometown.

That will change October 24–25, 2026, when the Taekwondo Ontario Provincial Championships arrive at Canada Games Park, giving Violet the opportunity to step onto the mat in front of her family, friends and home community for the first time.

For Violet, the moment represents another milestone in a journey that began seven years ago.

She first entered taekwondo at the age of nine as a recreational athlete. Shy by nature, the sport provided an opportunity to build confidence while learning discipline, perseverance and self-belief. By 14, her interest had evolved into a commitment to high-performance sparring, and her competitive career began to accelerate.

Today, Violet balances life as a student at A.N. Myer Secondary School with an intensive training schedule. She trains locally with Grandmaster Chan Jung, Master Won Jung & Master Minji Jung, Program Directors of Jeong Family Taekwondo, as she continues her development at the high-performance level.

Her commitment has already produced impressive results.

During the 2025–2026 season, Violet captured both the Junior and Senior Taekwondo Ontario Provincial Championship titles and has earned bronze and silver medals at the Taekwondo Canada Junior National Championships.

Her development has also taken her beyond Canada. This summer, Violet was selected by Taekwondo Ontario to participate in the Galeb International Summer Training Camp in Serbia, where she had the opportunity to train alongside athletes from around the world in an elite international environment.

But for all the kilometres travelled, competitions entered and experiences gained, the opportunity to compete at home holds a different significance.

"It will be my first time ever competing in Niagara," said Yerich. "Usually we have to travel outside the region for competitions, so having the Provincial Championships here and being able to compete in front of family, friends and my community is really exciting."

Violet also sees the Championships as an opportunity to introduce more people across Niagara to the high-performance side of the sport.

"I think having the Provincials here will help taekwondo grow in Niagara by giving the sport more exposure," she added. "A lot of people don't really know what high-performance taekwondo looks like. Having athletes from across Ontario competing here gives people a chance to see the sport at that level and hopefully inspires more young athletes to get involved."

For Master Minji Jung, Violet's progression reflects what can happen when talent is matched with discipline, consistency and a strong support system.

"Violet's development as an athlete has been remarkable to watch," said Master Minji Jung, Program Director of Jeong Family Taekwondo. "She brings tremendous discipline and commitment to her training, but equally important is the confidence and maturity she continues to develop through the sport. To see Violet now have the opportunity to compete at this level here in Niagara, surrounded by the people who have supported her journey, will be very special. She is a wonderful example for younger athletes in our club and throughout the Niagara taekwondo community."

Violet's story also demonstrates one of the lasting benefits of bringing major sporting events to Niagara.

Sport Niagara recently announced that the region has secured the Taekwondo Ontario Provincial Championships for both 2026 and 2027, creating consecutive opportunities for Ontario's top athletes to compete at Canada Games Park while strengthening the sport's presence within the local community.

"When we talk about the legacy of hosting sporting events in Niagara, this is exactly what we mean," said Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. "Yes, these championships bring athletes, coaches, officials and families into our region, but the impact goes much further. They give young Niagara athletes like Violet the opportunity to compete at home, allow our community to experience high-performance sport firsthand and create moments that can inspire the next generation. Violet's journey is a tremendous example of the athletes we have right here in Niagara, and we're excited to see her step onto the mat at Canada Games Park this October."

The 2026 Taekwondo Ontario Provincial Championships will take place October 24–25 at Canada Games Park, welcoming athletes, coaches, officials and families from across Ontario to Niagara.

For Violet, however, this championship will be unlike any that has come before it.  After years of travelling to pursue her sport, this time, the journey leads home.