Ottawa’s Major Events and Sport Newsletter – Winter 2025

2025 Canadian Ringette Championships in Ottawa

Ottawa welcomes the 2025 Canadian Ringette Championships from March 30 to April 5, 2025, bringing the country’s top ringette athletes to compete at venues across the region. Games will take place at Ray Friel Recreation Complex, Richcraft Sensplex and Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau and tickets are available now.

Ringette Canada made history at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, partnering with Hockey Canada and Ottawa Tourism to introduce fans to the sport. Visitors to the games’ Fan Fest at Lansdowne discovered what makes ringette unique at an interactive booth. Highlights included a shooting challenge, offering a hands-on experience and highlighting the sport’s growing global presence.

IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa

From September 9 to 19, 2026, Ottawa will welcome the world’s top wheelchair basketball athletes for the Ottawa2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships.

With 28 teams and 336 athletes, this global tournament will bring over 1,200 participants to Canada’s capital. Fans will witness the speed, skill, and intensity of wheelchair basketball at its highest level.

Wheelchair Basketball Canada launches learning hub

Wheelchair Basketball Canada has launched a free e-learning hub with expert-led training modules, instructional videos, and practice plans to support grassroots programs and enhance accessibility in the sport.

Looking back at 2025 World Juniors in Ottawa

Earlier this year, Ottawa proudly hosted the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, delivering an unforgettable tournament that went far beyond the rink. From powerful sustainability efforts to accessibility and Indigenous engagement, this event engaged in meaningful event hosting.

Ottawa Tourism introduced À la Carte, Canada’s first destination-led food recovery program, in partnership with La Tablée des Chefs. Through this initiative, more than 6,000 kilograms of food — enough for over 20,000 meals — was recovered during the tournament and redistributed to those in need. Since launching, À la Carte has helped recover over 100,000 meals in just seven months, transforming how events give back to the community.

Accessibility was a priority at the World Juniors. With support from Whimble, personal assistance services were available at both TD Place and the Canadian Tire Centre.

Deep Indigenous involvement was also key to the tournament. Partnerships with Indigenous communities helped shape the event, including Indigenous artisans who created meaningful keepsakes, and hundreds of tickets donated to Indigenous youth. The tournament also introduced mentorship and coaching programs to empower Indigenous athletes.

From fostering inclusivity to supporting sustainability, Ottawa showed why it’s not just a world-class hockey city but a leader in hosting events with lasting impact. 

Green-er sports facilities in Ottawa

Ottawa’s major event and sport venues are embracing sustainability, from energy retrofits to enhanced recycling — discover how Ottawa venues are committing to sustainability in the “Green-er sports facilities in Ottawa” blog.

Sport Events Congress 2025

Ottawa Tourism’s Major Events and Sport team attended Sport Events Congress 2025 in March to connect with sports organizations, explore new hosting opportunities and showcase Ottawa as a premier sport tourism destination.

The team took part in discussions on major event trends, partnership opportunities and ways to support rights holders in delivering successful events. This congress is a key opportunity to strengthen relationships and position Ottawa for future sport hosting success.

If Devin or Joey didn’t get a chance to chat your ear off during SEC, they’d love to connect — reach out.

• 2025 Canadian 4V4 Ultimate Championship – April 5-6
• 2025 U12 Girls Ontario Cup – April 11-13
• 2025 Ontario Volleyball Championships – April 24-29
• 2025 Volleyball Canada 14U National Championships – May 1-4
• 2025 U14 Boys Ontario Basketball Cup – May 2-4
• 2025 U17/U19 Boys Ontario Basketball Cup – May 30-June 1
• 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships – June 3-5
• 2025 FIVB Volleyball Nations League – June 4- 8
• 2025 OFSAA AA Boys' Soccer Championships – June 5-7

• SportsETA Symposium – April 14-17, in Tulsa