Ottawa sporting events generated $75 million in economic impact so far this year

Ottawa has hosted nearly 40 sporting events so far this year, generating $75 million in economic impact for the city, according to Stephanie Seguin, vice-president of sales, business and major events for Ottawa Tourism.

The IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, running September 9 to 19, represents the latest major event drawing international talent. The championships will feature 336 athletes from men's and women's national teams competing across 28 teams. The city is expecting to host hundreds of team staff members, officials and support personnel in addition to the players, requiring coordination between dozens of venues and businesses across Ottawa.

Seguin noted the championships represent at least eight years of planning to bring to the city. "We don't want to think about sport events as one weekend on the calendar, but we want to think about them as a long-term investment in Ottawa's economy, reputation and community," she said.

Ironman Canada-Ottawa, held this past summer for a second consecutive year, drew almost 3,000 athletes from 72 countries competing in the 226-kilometre triathlon. The city will host the event for a third time next summer. According to Seguin, this continuity builds Ottawa's reputation as a sports destination: "The first event showcases us as what we're capable of doing. The second, maybe more on the credibility side, and then continued hosting builds the reputation."