Thousands of young athletes gather in London to compete in the Ontario Summer Games

Thousands of young athletes have gathered in London this week to compete in the Ontario Summer Games.

A packed riser at Western’s Alumni Stadium on Thursday evening saw an estimated 5,000 people gathered to see young athletes revel in their moment of glory, and to to celebrate their opening ceremonies.

After London’s role of host city for the games in 2020 was delayed due to the pandemic, organizers were keen to step up to the plate once more in 2024.

General Manager Dave De Kelver said they’re extremely excited to be hosting this year, “We're finally here in 2024 with 3,500 athletes, 25 sports venues from St Marys Quarry all the way to Port Stanley and Lake Erie for sailing, and we’re really happy it's here. It's been a long time coming.”

The young athletes were treated to an excited crowd at the opening ceremony of the Ontario Summer Games, August 1, 2024 (Bailey Shakyaver/CTV News London)

While for many of these participants, the games will be a high point in their athletic achievements, some use the games as a vital step before proceeding to the Pan Am Games or the Olympics.

The once in a lifetime opportunity for young competitors to compete in parallel with the Olympics was not lost on organizers, De Kelver said “the kids 12 to 18 years old just got to watch an Olympic opening ceremony, and we’re hoping to pull off a similar type of event for them here today.”

The games boasts 18 different sports and events – from sailing, to soccer, to golf. With such a demanding schedule, hundreds of volunteers, and valuable partnerships with the City of London, Western University and Fanshawe College make the games possible.

Young athletes entered Western's Alumni Stadium on August 1, 2024 representing 18 different events (Bailey Shakyaver/CTV News London)

“[The games take] over 600 volunteers who are doing all kinds of roles,” shared De Kelver, “So the community really comes together. I love to do it just because I get to work with so many people.” 

For a full schedule of events, visit the official website for the London Ontario Summer Games, 2024.