Basketball at the Ontario Summer Games
Basketball is one of the main sports at the Ontario Summer Games. Every two years, U14 basketball teams from across the province come together to compete in this well-organized, fast-paced tournament. It’s a big event for young players: many are getting their first experience playing for their region in a multi-sport competition.
We gathered this information to help players, parents, coaches, and fans understand how basketball works at OSG and how to get involved.
Sport Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Group | U14 (usually born in 2010 or later) |
| Team Format | 5-on-5 full-court basketball |
| Tournament | Group Stage → Semi-finals → Finals |
| Run by | Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) |
| 2024 Venue | Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre, London |
The basketball tournament is for Under-14 (U14) boys and girls. Players don’t register on their own. Instead, each Ontario zone (like Central West, Kawartha, Mountain, etc.) puts together one boys’ team and one girls’ team through the Ontario Summer Development Program (OSDP). The program is run by the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA).
Tryouts usually happen in late spring. Players are selected based on skill, team play, and development potential. Once selected, they train as a team and represent their zone at the Games.
How the Tournament Works
The basketball tournament runs over three days. Teams are split into pools, where they play a round-robin format. The best teams from each pool move on to the semi-finalsand then the medal games.
Key points:
- Each team plays multiple games during the group stage
- Top teams move to semi-finals and finals
- Boys and girls divisions are run separately but follow the same structure
- All matches use standard Ontario Basketball rules
Each zone brings its own coaching staff and bench. Games are played on regulation-size courts, and referees are part of OBA’s official network. This gives young athletes a real taste of high-level tournament play.
The Courts – Where It All Happens
Venues are important for these types of events. The basketball games are held at indoor gym facilities that can host many games back-to-back. These are usually college or university gyms with enough room for fans, players, and tournament staff.
In 2024, basketball took place at the Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. This gym includes three full courts and is also home to the Fanshawe Falcons men’s and women’s teams.
Other cities that have hosted basketball in past Games include Mississauga, Windsor, and Ottawa. All venues are chosen based on court quality, space, and how well they can handle tournament events over multiple days.
Organized by Ontario Basketball
Basketball at the Ontario Summer Games is fully organized by the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA). OBA is responsible for:
- Running the OSDP program that selects the teams
- Setting age rules and player eligibility
- Assigning referees and making sure the rules are followed
- Handling safety, including insurance and concussion policies
OBA has worked for years to support youth development across the province. The Summer Games give young players a good opportunity to grow their skills and represent their region.
Past Games and the 2024 Schedule
Basketball has been part of the Ontario Summer Games for many years. It usually follows the same setup: U14 boys and girls, one team per zone, and a three-day tournament.
Here are a few things we noticed when looking back:
- U14 has been the standard format in recent years
- Zones like Central West, Kawartha, and Mountain often reach the playoff rounds
- In 2020, the Games were cancelled due to COVID-19
- The event returned in 2022 and ran again in 2024, showing strong attendance and team interest
2024 Tournament Format
In 2024, games were played from August 2 to 4. The format followed the usual structure:
- 🗓️ Friday & Saturday: Round-robin group matches
- 🗓️ Sunday: Finals day
Finals Day – August 4, 2024:
- 🕒 9:00 AM – Semi-Final 1
- 🕒 10:30 AM – Semi-Final 2
- 🕒 1:30 PM – Bronze Medal Match
- 🕒 3:15 PM – Gold Medal Match
Download the Full 2024 Game Schedule (PDF)
The score for the basketball games and final results are usually shared through the OBA website, tournament staff, or local media. Each year’s matchups vary based on team performance — there’s no guaranteed winner.
Who to Watch in 2026?
The next Ontario Summer Games will happen in the Waterloo Region from July 30 to August 2, 2026. Basketball will likely return with the U14 format, although small updates to age groups or the structure might be announced closer to the event.
Some zones to keep an eye on:
- Kawartha – often strong on both the boys and girls sides
- Mountain – plays with speed and energy
- Central West – known for solid team play and smart defense
Want to Be Part of It?
There are different ways to get involved in basketball at the Ontario Summer Games.
For Players:
- Join a local Ontario Basketball club
- Watch for OSDP tryouts in your region
- Tryouts usually happen in May or June of the Games year
- If selected, you’ll train and compete with your zone team
For Volunteers:
The Games need people to help with:
- Scorekeeping and timekeeping
- Media coverage (photos, updates)
- Game-day support at the gym
Volunteers can apply through the host city’s sports program or through Ontario Basketball.
For Fans and Families:
- Entry to basketball games is free
- Most venues offer room for family and community members to attend
- Follow the OBA and Games Ontario websites for schedules and updates
Basketball at the Ontario Summer Games is more than just a summer basketball event – it’s a chance for Ontario’s young athletes to learn, grow, and test their skills in a real team setting. As Ontario Basketball continues to support development through programs like OSDP, the Games remain an important milestone in the province’s basketball pathway.
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