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December 5, 2025: Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games Welcomes Fine Designs as

Official Event Merchandiser

The official online merchandise store is now open, offering a convenient way to shop ahead of the Games. Supporters can browse and purchase a wide selection of items including hoodies, T-shirts, hats, and commemorative gear. In addition to online shopping, Fine Designs will operate on-site merchandise booths at key venues throughout both weekends of the Games, which will take place from February 19 – 22, and February 26 – March 1, 2026.

“Fine Designs has a strong track record of delivering quality merchandise and exceptional service at multi-sport events across the country,” said Will LaFrance, General Manager of the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games. “We’re thrilled to partner with them to offer athletes, families, and fans a memorable way to celebrate their time in Orillia. Whether you’re shopping online now or picking something up during the Games, there will be something for everyone.”

The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games are proudly presented by Desjardins Financial Group, whose support plays a vital role in providing an exceptional experience for thousands of young athletes and visitors.

To start shopping, visit the Orillia 2026 Official Merchandise Store.

For more information about the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games, please visit orillia2026.ca

Games Ontario

The 2026 Ontario Winter Games is supported by the Ontario government, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers and supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.

About Desjardins Group 

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the sixth largest in the world, with assets of $501.3 billion as of June 30, 2025. It has been named one of the top employers in Canada by both Forbes magazine and Mediacorp. It has also been recognized as one of the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes. The organization has more than 57,200 skilled employees. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, its online platforms, and its subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world’s strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and one of the highest credit ratings in the industry. In 2025, Desjardins Group is celebrating its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of focusing its ambitions and expertise on being there for members and clients. 

November 12, 2025: 100 Days Out - Countdown to the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games

For Immediate Release – (Nov. 12, 2025) - The excitement is building as today marks 100 days until the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games. From Feb. 19 to 22 and Feb. 26 to March 1, 2026, 2,500 athletes from across Ontario will compete in 17 sports across Orillia and Simcoe Country.  

“The Ontario Winter Games are a launchpad for thousands of young athletes who dream of competing at the national and international level,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With just 100 days to go until the 2026 Games, I want to thank the City of Orillia and all the volunteers and organizers for their preparation and hard work. Our government is proud to support this event and help communities like Orillia maximize the benefits of sport tourism as part of our plan to protect Ontario’s economy.”  

To celebrate this milestone, the Orillia 2026 Games Organizing Committee hosted a community event highlighting local partners, volunteers, and the tremendous spirit that continues to grow across the region as the Games approach. 

“The Ontario Winter Games will bring thousands of visitors to our city, creating an incredible boost for local businesses and showcasing Orillia as a destination for sport, recreation, and tourism,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We’re excited to open our doors and show the province the warmth and hospitality our community is known for.”   

The Ontario Winter Games are the province’s largest multi-sport event, giving Ontario’s top young athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level and experience the excitement of a major Games environment. The event also creates a significant economic impact, with thousands of visitors expected to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

“Today’s 100 Days Out celebration marks a major step toward welcoming athletes, coaches, and families from across the province,” said Will LaFrance, General Manager of the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games. “These Games will not only showcase the best of Ontario’s young athletes but also the strength, hospitality, and pride of our communities working together to deliver an unforgettable experience.” 

The Games, proudly presented by Desjardins Financial Group, will rely on the dedication of over 500 volunteers to help bring the event to life. Community members are encouraged to get involved by registering to volunteer or by cheering on athletes during competition weekends. 

For more information on the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games, event updates, and to register as a volunteer, visit orillia2026.ca or follow @Orillia2026 on social media. 

Games Ontario  

The 2026 Ontario Winter Games is supported by the Ontario government, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers and supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.

About Desjardins Group   

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the sixth largest in the world, with assets of $501.3 billion as of June 30, 2025. It has been named one of the top employers in Canada by both Forbes magazine and Mediacorp. It has also been recognized as one of the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes. The organization has more than 57,200 skilled employees. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, its online platforms, and its subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world’s strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and one of the highest credit ratings in the industry. In 2025, Desjardins Group is celebrating its 125^th anniversary, marking more than a century of focusing its ambitions and expertise on being there for members and clients. 

September 17, 2025: Desjardins Group Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games 

For Immediate Release – (September 17, 2025) - The City of Orillia and the 2026 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee are proud to announce Desjardins Financial Group as the Presenting Sponsor for the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games, set to take place across two weekends, February 19 - 22, and February 26 - March 1, 2026. This landmark partnership marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to one of the province’s most anticipated multi-sport events.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Desjardins Group to the Ontario Winter Games family,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Their support will help us create an unforgettable experience for athletes, families, volunteers, and the Orillia community as a whole. With Desjardins by our side, we’re confident the 2026 Ontario Winter Games will inspire the next generation of Ontario’s athletes.”

As the presenting sponsor, Desjardins will play a vital role in supporting nearly 2,500 young athletes from across Ontario as they compete in more than 17 sports throughout the region. The partnership reflects Desjardins’ deep commitment to youth, community development, and healthy living.

“Desjardins is excited to continue supporting young athletes in Ontario and promoting sport in the province,” said Marie-Huguette Cormier, Executive Vice-President, Member/Client Experience, Cooperation and Human Transformation. “These competitions are a really special experience for everybody involved. Between the athletes, the volunteers and the organizers, these events build community that goes beyond the rink or the gym. We’re incredibly proud to be empowering young people who have shown incredible dedication, while connecting Ontarians from across the province.” 

The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games are expected to draw thousands of visitors to the city and surrounding area, offering a major boost to local tourism and economic activity. With the help of partners like Desjardins, the Games aim to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence in sport.

Planning and preparations are well underway, and updates on volunteer opportunities, event schedules, and community celebrations will be shared in the months ahead.

For more information about the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games, please visit Orillia2026.ca.

Games Ontario

 The 2026 Ontario Winter Games is supported by the Ontario government, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers and supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.

About Desjardins Group 

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the sixth largest in the world, with assets of $501.3 billion as of June 30, 2025. It has been named one of the top employers in Canada by both Forbes magazine and Mediacorp. It has also been recognized as one of the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes. The organization has more than 57,200 skilled employees. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, its online platforms, and its subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world’s strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and one of the highest credit ratings in the industry. In 2025, Desjardins Group is celebrating its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of focusing its ambitions and expertise on being there for members and clients. 

Desjardins présente les Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario 2026 à Orillia

Pour diffusion immédiate – (17 septembre 2025) – La Ville d’Orillia et le comité organisateur des Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario 2026 sont fiers d’annoncer que Desjardins sera le présentateur official des Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario 2026 à Orillia, qui se tiendront en février prochain. Ce partenariat marquant représente une étape importante dans la préparation de l’un des événements multisports les plus attendus de la province.

« Nous sommes ravis d’accueillir Desjardins dans la famille des Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario », a déclaré le maire Don McIsaac. « Leur soutien nous aidera à offrir une expérience inoubliable aux athlètes, aux familles, aux bénévoles et à toute la communauté d’Orillia. Avec Desjardins à nos côtés, nous sommes convaincus que les Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario 2026 inspireront la prochaine génération d’athlètes ontariens. »

En tant que présentateur des Jeux, Desjardins jouera un rôle essentiel en soutenant près de 2 500 jeunes athlètes de toute la province qui participeront à plus de 17 disciplines sportives dans la région. Ce partenariat reflète l’engagement profond de Desjardins envers la jeunesse, le développement communautaire et les saines habitudes de vie.

« Desjardins est heureux de continuer à soutenir les jeunes athlètes en Ontario et à promouvoir le sport dans la province », a déclaré Marie Huguette Cormier, première vice-présidente, Expérience membre et client, Coopération et Transformation humaine. « Ces compétitions représentent une expérience vraiment spéciale pour tous les participants. Entre les athlètes, les bénévoles et les organisateurs, ces événements créent un esprit de communauté qui dépasse la patinoire ou le gymnase. Nous sommes extrêmement fiers de contribuer à l’épanouissement des jeunes qui font preuve d’un engagement remarquable, tout en jouant un rôle dans le rapprochement des Ontariens à travers la province. »

Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario 2026 à Orillia attireront des milliers de visiteurs dans la ville et ses environs, stimulant ainsi le tourisme local et l’activité économique. Grâce à l’appui de partenaires comme Desjardins, les Jeux visent à promouvoir l’inclusion, la durabilité et l’excellence sportive.

La planification et les préparatifs sont bien avancés, et des mises à jour concernant les possibilités de bénévolat, les horaires des événements et les célébrations communautaires seront partagées dans les mois à venir.

Pour plus d’informations sur les Jeux d’hiver de l’Ontario 2026 à Orillia, veuillez visiter Orillia2026.ca.

Jeux de l’Ontario

Les Jeux reçoivent le soutien du gouvernement provincial dans le cadre de son programme Jeux de l’Ontario. Ce programme organise et soutient des événements multisports, notamment les Jeux d’hiver et d’été de l’Ontario pour les jeunes, les Jeux d’hiver et d’été de l’Ontario pour les 55 ans et plus et les Jeux ParaSport de l’Ontario.

À propos du Mouvement Desjardins 

Le Mouvement Desjardins est la coopérative financière la plus importante en Amérique du Nord et la sixième au monde, avec un actif de 501,3 milliards de dollars au 30 juin 2025. Desjardins a été nommé parmi les meilleurs employeurs au Canada par le magazine Forbes ainsi que par Mediacorp et a été reconnu comme l’une des meilleures institutions financières au monde en 2025 par Forbes. Il mise sur la compétence de plus de 57 200 employées et employés. Pour répondre aux besoins diversifiés de ses membres et de ses clients, particuliers comme entreprises, il offre une gamme complète de produits et de services par l’intermédiaire de son vaste réseau de points de service, de ses plateformes virtuelles et de ses filiales présentes à l’échelle canadienne. Figurant parmi les institutions bancaires les plus solides au monde selon le magazine The Banker, Desjardins affiche des ratios de capital et des cotes de crédit parmi les meilleurs de l’industrie. En 2025, le Mouvement Desjardins célèbre son 125^e anniversaire, marquant plus d’un siècle d’ambition, de présence et d’expertise au service des membres et clients​.  

September 8, 2025: RFQ - Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games Food Service Provider

The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee is inviting proposals from qualified food service providers to help fuel the province’s top young athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers.

The Games, set to take place February 19–22 and February 26–March 1, 2026, will welcome more than 2,800 participants across 20 sports. With competitions happening at multiple venues throughout the region, food services will play a vital role in ensuring a successful experience for all.

“We’re looking for experienced food service providers who can deliver high-quality, nutritious, and reliable meals that meet the needs of athletes and volunteers,” said Will LaFrance, General Manager of the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games. “This is an exciting opportunity for local and regional businesses to be part of a major provincial sporting event.”

The Request for Quotation (RFQ) - Food Service Provider is now available and submissions are due by Friday, October 3, 2025. Providers are encouraged to share this opportunity within the food service industry.

For more information, please email info@orillia2026.ca 

July 25, 2025: Call to Artists - Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games Medal Artwork Design 

The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee is inviting Ontario based artists and designers to submit proposals for the official medal artwork design. These medals will be awarded to athletes competing in over 20 winter sport disciplines during two weekends of Games action in February 2026.

The winning artwork will be cast into gold, silver, and bronze medals that serve not only as symbols of achievement, but also as lasting tributes to the spirit of the Games, the vibrancy of Orillia, and the power of sport to unite communities.

“The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games are a celebration of sport, youth, and community pride,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “This medal design is a chance to showcase the incredible creativity that lives right here in our region. I encourage local artists to take part in this meaningful opportunity to help tell Orillia’s story on a provincial stage.”

Artists are invited to reflect on themes such as winter, sport, community, and local or Indigenous culture. Submissions must include the official Games titles in both English and French, and designs must be suitable for metal casting.

“Designing the official medal is a unique opportunity to be part of something athletes will carry with them for a lifetime,” said Will LaFrance, General Manager of the Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games. “We’re looking for artwork that captures not just the energy of competition, but the heart of Orillia – its people, its landscape, and its passion for sport and community.”

Artists are asked to submit only a preliminary concept (e.g., sketch or rendering) to illustrate their design direction. A shortlist of up to three artists will be selected to receive an honorarium of $100 each to further develop their proposals. One final artist will then be selected to complete the commission and awarded an additional $500 fee.

The call is open to all Ontario-based artists and design teams, with preference given to those who work or reside in the City of Orillia, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, or the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, or Ramara. The deadline for submissions is noon Friday, August 22, 2025.

For full guidelines and to apply, visit Orillia.ca/PublicArt. 

 April 23, 2025: Orillia Selected to Host 2026 Ontario Winter Games

ORILLIA — The Ontario government is investing more than $1.32 million to support the City of Orillia’s successful bid to host the 2026 Ontario Winter Games.

"Our government is thrilled to support the 2026 Ontario Winter Games in Orillia, and welcome thousands of skilled young athletes to compete with their peers from across our province," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. "This event will build on the success of past events hosted by Orillia and provides an incredible opportunity to drive domestic tourism to the region, boosting the economy and showcasing the fantastic attractions throughout the area.”

The 2026 Ontario Winter Games are expected to generate an economic impact of more than $5 million by hosting up to 2,800 participants aged 12-18 in up to 20 sports, such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing, curling, ringette and others.

The Ontario government is proud to support the sport sector, while providing an opportunity for athletes to develop their skills and experience high-level competition. Many athletes use this experience to prepare for national and international competitions.

Games Ontario events increase domestic tourism, provide communities valuable experience in hosting sport events, develop a base of qualified volunteers and encourage more people to take part in future Games and other sport tourism events.

This funding will ensure the City of Orillia’s successful delivery of the Games, which previously hosted the event in both 2018 and 2020 as well as the 2024 Ontario 55+ Winter Games.