Sport Tourism London to host five Ontario Cup Basketball Championships in 2017 and 2018

Tourism London is proud to announce that the City of London has been selected to host five Ontario Cup Provincial Championships in 2017 and 2018. Ontario Basketball (OBA) announced Monday the dates and locations for these 2017 and 2018 championships and London leads the way with a record, five championships. Building on the foundation established in 2016, Tourism London once again partnered with all four local youth basketball organizations to collectively host these tournaments.

“We are delighted to be hosting five Ontario Cup age categories in the Forest City in 2017 and 2018,” said Jason Jansson, executive director, Ontario Basketball. “The continued efforts of Tourism London and the four OBA members clubs to host the Provincial Championships in the City of London is a true testament to community engagement and collaboration.”

“We are so proud of our local club’s collaborative effort to secure these Ontario Basketball Championships.” said Cheryl Finn, Director of Sport Tourism for Tourism London. “The London Ramblers, London CYO, Gold Medal and London 86’ers, along with the London Board of Basketball Officials have come together to provide an athlete-centered approach to hosting each of the championship weekends.  This is a unique approach that we are very proud of and hope it proves as a template for other local sport organizations to work towards.  These weekends are important to Tourism London’s hosting portfolio as large numbers of athletes and their families, staying to compete in our city, over several weekends significantly contributes to the economic impact related to this event.”

In 2013, OBA conducted a Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model economic impact study with the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA). The study found the total economic activity (industry output) generated by the Ontario Cup Under 16 boys event staged in Ottawa was $1.9 million in the Province, with $1.3 million occurring in Ottawa. An estimated $23 million of economic impact is generated from the entire 18 Ontario Cup events.

A full list of 2017 and 2018 Ontario Cup dates and assigned age categories is available below.