The Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games (Games) have been recognized by Sport Tourism Canada with a 2024 PRESTIGE Award for Legacy of the Year.
The Legacy of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements or contributions by individuals, companies or organizations that have helped to advance sustainable and environmental stewardship within a Canadian Sport Event in 2023 and have left a demonstrable legacy to the community, said a region statement.
The games were hosted from February 3 to 5, 2023. The event provided athletes with quality competitive experiences in 11 parasports and showcased four demonstration sports. The Games Organizing Committee, led by Sport Durham, established legacy initiatives and partnerships before the games began, prioritizing sustainability, and social inclusion and responsibility from the outset.
The games brought $702,853 in economic impact to Durham Region and a $145,579 legacy fund that will benefit the community for years to come. The initial budgeted legacy fund target of $60,230 was surpassed by more than 240 per cent.
Durham announced plans for the 2023 Games Legacy Fund in February of this year. The Games Legacy Fund will be distributed as follows:
- Durham Community Foundation “Durham Region Adaptive Sport and Recreation Legacy Fund”: $112,000.
- Adaptive Sport Festival: $30,000.
- Community Tree and Shrub Planting: $3,529.
“We are so proud of the efforts of the organizing committee and pleased to see them receive this national recognition. The Legacy Fund will enable Durham Region to work toward ensuring we are accessible for everyone who lives or plays here,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer.