From May 31 to June 1, Welland, Ont., welcomes athletes from across the province for the 2025 Paragames Ontario Championship, held as part of the Ontario Parasport Games.
Hosted at the scenic Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, the event will showcase skill, resilience, and passion of para-athletes, celebrating both high-level competition and the inclusive spirit of the game of golf.
The Ontario Parasport games are a multi-sport event bringing together athletes with disabilities to compete in various sports. For the first time in the games’ history, golf will be included, marking a major step forward for inclusivity in the sport.
According to James Murphy, executive director of Parasport Ontario, support from provincial sport organizations like Golf Ontario plays a crucial role in the continued development of para-athletics.
“It’s important for sport organizations like Golf Ontario to support events like this to showcase their commitment to adapted sport and inclusion,” says Murphy. “From grassroots programming to performance pathways, this tournament is an essential step in creating meaningful competitive opportunities for para-athletes.”
John Lawrence, director of competitions at Golf Ontario, agrees that the addition of golf to the games is a major milestone.
“This is a unique opportunity, and it’s the first time we’ve played golf in these games,” Lawrence says. “Playing in a golf championship is exciting on its own, but to be a part of something bigger like a multi-sport event adds a whole new level of experience for these athletes.”
This year’s championship also builds on Golf Ontario’s long-term commitment to growing opportunities for para-athletes.
“In Ontario, there’s currently one provincial championship, which is the Adaptive Open, but now this adds another competitive experience for players,” Lawrence adds.
The impact of the championship is expected to reach beyond sport and into the community.
“It is the hope people are able to go out and watch these amazing para golfers in action at Cardinal Lakes,” says Dan Kennedy, executive director of Sport Niagara. “This will hopefully translate to more people in the Niagara community getting inspired by what they see and what can be possible with the right support, guidance and adaptation and removing any barriers to participation,” he says, adding, “this is the lasting legacy that will hopefully occur from the games and showcasing this provincial excellence in paragolf and many other great parasports at these Ontario Parasport Games.”
For more on the Ontario Parasport games and the full schedule of events, visit www.niagara2025ontarioparasportgames.ca
For more information about the 2025 Para Golf Championship, CLICK HERE.
