The Waterloo Region 2026 Ontario Summer Games is supported by the Government of Ontario, through its Games Ontario program started in 1970 in Etobicoke as a showcase for amateur sport. This is Ontario's largest multi-sport event, including both team and individual sports.
Archery returns to the 2026 Ontario Summer Games, taking place July 30 – August 2, 2026 in Waterloo Region.
The Ontario Summer Games are one of the province’s premier multi-sport events, bringing together top young athletes from across Ontario to compete, represent their regions, and experience a high-performance multi-sport environment.
Who can participate?
Provincial-level archery athletes qualify through a regional selection process conducted by the Provincial Sport Organization, Archery Ontario. The Games take place every two years and are awarded through a bidding process. They are supported by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport in collaboration with host communities.
📍 Event Details
Event: Ontario Summer Games – Archery
Dates: July 30 – August 2, 2026
Location: Fountain Street Soccer Complex, 880 Linden Drive (Corner of Fountain St and Linden Dr)
Archers will compete alongside athletes from across the province in a celebration of sport, excellence, and community.
🏹 Qualification Event – 2026 Ontario Junior Challenge
The 2026 Ontario Junior Challenge has been designated as the official qualification event (Trials) for Archery at the 2026 Ontario Summer Games.
Event: 2026 Ontario Junior Challenge
Dates: May 29 – 31, 2026
Host Club: Archers in Muskoka
Location: 2000 Beaver Creek Drive, Milford Bay, Ontario
(This is the south entrance. Use the side gate )
Eligible youth archers with a current Archery Ontario membership are invited to compete for selection to represent their zone at the Ontario Summer Games.
In total, 60 archers will be selected to compete at the multi-sport, mini-Olympic style Ontario Games. Each of Ontario's five zones will build a team of archers to compete. Each zone will consist of 12 archers: 6 male and 6 female. Archers may compete in Recurve, or Compound divisions, under the age groups of Junior (20 and under) or Cadet (17 and under). One Zone Management Team (ZMT) will assist in registering, training, and accompanying archers to the tournament. The male and female ZMT will consist of 1 coach and 1 manager.
Zone Management Team members must have a valid and current Vulnerable Sector Check as per the Screening Policy which must be submitted to the Archery Ontario office administration by June 30 to select, accompany, coach & develop athletes. The Team Coach must have a valid coaching qualification (NCCP Instructor Beginner, former NCCP Level 1, NCCP Intermediate, or former NCCP Level 2).
🗺️ Ontario Archery Zone Teams
For the Ontario Summer Games, athletes qualify to represent one of five regional Zone Teams:
- Eastern Zone
- Western Zone
- Northeastern Zone
- Northwestern Zone
- Central Zone
Athletes will compete at the Ontario Junior Challenge (or yMPAC see below) to earn selection onto their respective Zone Team. Final team rosters will be determined in accordance with the official selection policy and zone allocation guidelines.
⚠️ Important Notice – YMPAC Conflict
NOTE: The Ontario Junior Challenge conflicts with the Youth & Masters Pan American Championships (YMPAC).
If you are attending the Youth and Masters Pan American Championships and wish to also attempt qualification for the Ontario Summer Games:
- You may submit your YMPAC 720 round score for consideration.
- You must submit your request to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Submission deadline: May 17, 2026
Requests received after this date will not be considered.
📌 Athlete Eligibility
To compete at the Ontario Summer Games, all athletes must:
- Hold a current and valid Archery Ontario membership
- Be between the ages of 12 and 20 by Dec 31, 2026
- Compete at the designated qualification event (or approved exemption as noted above)
🌟 Why Compete at the Ontario Summer Games?
The Ontario Summer Games provide athletes with:
- A true multi-sport Games experience
- Exposure to high-performance competition
- The opportunity to represent their region
- Development in preparation for national and international events
For many athletes, the Games serve as an important step in their long-term athlete development pathway.
What can I expect as a participant?
The Games Committee provides meals and accommodations for archers. Teams must provide their own uniform and may fund-raise to help offset this cost. Zone Management Teams (ZMT) coordinate and collaborate to organize safe and timely travel to and from Waterloo Region. Zone managers must submit their uniform color choices no later than June 15th, 2026.
Archers who reside over 300km from the host location and carpool are eligible for a travel subsidy from the Games Committee. Often this takes a few months to be paid out.
During their time at the Games in Waterloo Region, athletes are expected to remain with the team at all times. Athletes must arrive Thursday by NO later than 3pm. The VP of Athlete Development will compile a rooming list and provide it to the ZMT by June 30th. Athletes will sleep in the designated accommodation, and meals will be eaten as a team. Teams may visit other sports venues and attend events together, but athletes must remain together as a team with their coach and manager.
Awards will be presented on both days of the competition as well as Team Awards on Friday.
