Ottawa, ON – The City of Ottawa is ready to welcome 335 teams, 4500 athletes and team officials, as well as the families of the players aged 13 and 15 from across the province who will be competing for volleyball supremacy at the 2024 Ontario Volleyball Association’s Ontario Championships. 

“Introducing the Ontario Championships to the City of Ottawa for the first time since the inception of the festival style event, in 2008, fills us with excitement,” says Alishia Lidums, Director of Volleyball Operations, Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA). “This marks a significant milestone as we expand our reach and bring OVA teams to a new experience in a different area of the province. The City of Ottawa offers a fresh perspective and a vibrant energy that we can’t wait to explore. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ottawa Tourism and the City of Ottawa for their warm welcome and unwavering support as we embark on this exciting journey.”

Taking place each April, the Ontario Championships are the largest youth amateur volleyball event in the Nation. Locally, teams will compete at the EY Centre in Ottawa. There will be 2 events hosted over 6 days of competition: 

• April 25 to 27 — 15U Girls
• April 28 to 30 – 6v6 Girls (previously 13U) & 15U Boys

Along with showcasing the thousands of high-caliber athletes who participate in the event, the Ontario Championships provide substantial economic benefits for the city. The economic impact for the 2022 Ontario Championships – held at RIM Park in Waterloo, ON – was about $6.9 million per weekend, or $28 million to Waterloo Region for the entire event.  Fast forward to 2024, OVA teams have secured almost 9500 hotel rooms for the 6 days of competition and will be looking forward to taking in the sights and sounds of Canada’s Capital city during their multi-day stay in Ottawa. 

“Hosting the Ontario Volleyball Championships in Ottawa brings social, economic, and legacy benefits to our city,” says President & CEO Michael Crockatt. “While these young athletes are modelling an active lifestyle, team spirit and sportsmanship for other aspiring athletes to see, our city will be showcasing all it has to offer to them and their families, coaches, and travel support team during our beautiful spring season. This brings considerable economic benefit as these visitors stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and get out to Ottawa’s many attractions while here. We wish them all a fantastic 2024 event!”

Fans wishing to witness the action are welcome to cheer on the athletes at the EY Centre.  Admission is free. 

About the Ontario Volleyball Association 

The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) is a non-profit athlete-centered provincial sports association providing leadership in the growth, development, and delivery of indoor, beach and sitting volleyball in Ontario.

It is our vision to provide a fun, safe and rewarding environment through a commitment to Volleyball for Life. To that end, the OVA engages with the community to support athletes through quality service and by offering a safe sport experience. The OVA supports the holistic development of athletes by providing a clear and comprehensive development pathway for all stages and abilities. Further, the OVA strives to inspire Clubs, coaches and referees with continuous learning and improvement opportunities.

For more information and interviews please contact:

George Huffman
Communication Coordinator
ghuffman@ontariovolleyball.org