Thousands of athletes from across the province are set to compete in a variety of sports in the Ontario Summer Games over the next two days. The Games kicked-off with an opening ceremony this evening in Mississauga.The ceremony was held at Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS) and featured remarks from Mayor Bonnie Crombie, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Gimaa (Chief) Stacey Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Also featured were dignitary greetings and remarks from Games Co-Chairs, Janet Leung and Natalie Wideman – accomplished Olympians and Team Canada athletes. Host Councillor, Matt Mahoney, Ward 8 was also in attendance.The opening ceremony also included a traditional smudging ceremony performed by Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Ojibway Grandmother, an athletes’ parade, torch relay and lighting of the cauldron, capped off with a headlining performance by the MONOWHALES.“We’re very proud to host the Ontario Summer Games and welcome the best athletes in the province to our city once again,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Mississauga has had the opportunity to welcome incredible athletes of all ages and talents over the years, including Ontario’s Parasport athletes this May. We are always delighted to welcome the athletes and their friends and family to Mississauga as they go for gold in our world-class facilities, parks, waterfront and community centres.”This is second time the City has hosted the Ontario Summer Games, in addition to hosting the Ontario Parasport Games in May 2022 and Ontario Summer Games 55+ in 2018.“On behalf of the Ontario government, I am honoured to welcome the athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators to Mississauga for the Ontario Summer Games,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “These Games reinforce Ontario’s status as one of the best places to train, compete and excel in sport and demonstrate how strategic investments in the sport sector provide a great boost to Ontario’s local economies. I wish the best of luck to the athletes this weekend and congratulate them on their commitment and hard work in preparation for the Games.”The 2022 Ontario Summer Games are comprised of approximately 3,500 participants aged 12 to 18. Athletes will compete in 16 different sports this weekend, including archery, rugby and canoe kayak sprint.“I want to thank our Games Co-Chairs, Janet Leung and Natalie Wideman, for their guidance to deliver this weekend’s games – I know a lot of preparation went into gearing-up for this intense, athletic competition,” said Matt Mahoney, Ward 8 Councillor and Games Host Councillor. “I also want to wish all of the athletes luck this weekend and congratulate them on their incredible achievements that led them to this exciting milestone in their athletic career. Mississauga is cheering you on.”Mississauga was originally named host city of the Ontario Summer Games in December 2019.“On behalf of my colleague and Co-Chair Natalie Wideman, best of luck to all of this year’s participants,” said Games Co-Chair, Janet Leung. “We appreciate the hard work that went into preparing for these Games by staff and the organizing committees. We also want to thank all of our sponsors and dedicated volunteers who help contribute to the overall success of the Ontario Summer Games.”To learn more about the Ontario Summer Games and view sport schedules, visit sauga2022games.ca.