Every Body Plays in Ottawa

Every Body Plays in Ottawa

Ottawa is redefining what it means to be a leader in sport. Here, success in sports goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about who’s making the game better for everyone; athletes, fans and organizers.

That spirit is captured in Every Body Plays in Ottawa, a video series highlighting athletes leading the way in inclusive and accessible sport.

From launching women’s sports teams like Rapid FC and the Ottawa Charge, to hosting tournaments including the Canadian Boccia Championships, Bingham Cup and CP Women’s Open, the city continues to champion events that reflect the future of sport.

With world-class venues, strong community partnerships, and a team dedicated to creating welcoming spaces, Ottawa is a growing hub for accessible and inclusive sports events where everyone can play, cheer and thrive.

Every Body Plays in Ottawa: Athlete Stories from Ottawa’s Sport Community

Zoe Boyd on women’s hockey, the PWHL and playing for Ottawa

Zoe Boyd shares her journey as an original Ottawa Charge defenceman in the PWHL and Ottawa’s growing women’s hockey legacy.

Ottawa has long been a passionate supporter of sports at every level, with strong hockey roots and a growing legacy in women’s sports, most recently reflected in the city’s overwhelming support for Ottawa Rapid FC’s debut season.

Kimana Mar three-time world champion with Special Olympics

Kimana Mar shines on the world stage as a Special Olympics rhythmic gymnast, inspiring Ottawa and beyond.

Kimana shares how Ottawa’s supportive coaches, friends, and wider community empower her to thrive as an athlete and as a person with Down syndrome.

Brianna Hennessy paddles for Canada as a Paralympic medallist in para canoe and kayak

Brianna Hennessy’s journey from a life-changing injury to Paralympic silver shows the power of resilience and community support.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Brianna Hennessy is a two-time Paralympian for Canada in para canoe and para kayak. After a catastrophic accident left her paralyzed from the neck down, she found a renewed connection to sport — becoming a silver medalist and a proud flag bearer for Canada.

 

Josh Gutoskie on finding community in inclusive rugby

Josh Gutoskie builds belonging and community through inclusive rugby with the Ottawa Wolves RFC.

With the Ottawa Wolves and the International Gay Rugby community, he found not just a team but a worldwide movement. Ottawa’s welcoming spirit and proven capacity to host major inclusive events like the 2022 Bingham Cup make it a home for athletes of every background and identity.

Resources for planners hosting in Ottawa

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Ottawa’s sports events hosting history

Why host major events and sport in Ottawa
Choose Ottawa, Canada’s vibrant capital city, and put your athletes and event on a national stage at one of our outstanding sport venues.
Sports events hosting history
Ottawa Tourism is proud to host a variety of national and international events.

Upcoming sports events in Ottawa

Contact the Team

Devin Jenkins
Devin Jenkins
Manager, Major Events & Sport
Joey Swarbrick
Joey Swarbrick
Manager, Major Events & Sport

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