As the weather warms in Kingston, we’re looking forward to summer months full of events! From Pickleball Championships to the Football Canada Cup and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of CORK, read on to learn about the top five Summer sport events in YGK.
1. 2019 Canadian Pickleball Championships
June 27-30, 2019 // Kingston Pickleball Club
Kingston will play host to the 2019 and 2020 Pickleball National Championships; welcoming almost 1,000 participants from across Canada to the Invista Centre. “Pickleball is among Canada’s fastest growing sports and we see its popularity here in Kingston,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “We look forward to these exciting events growing the awareness and popularity of this great sport.” The tournament is expected to have an economic impact of $2 million to the city over two years.
2. 2019 Football Canada Cup
July 5-13, 2019 // Richardson Stadium
The season will kick off in early July in Kingston at Queen’s University’s Richardson Stadium. Eight provincial teams from coast to coast – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and host Ontario will play in Kingston to compete for gold in the national championships. The competition also showcases the top players in the country, and is the main recruiting event for USports programs.
3. 2019 World Sailing – ILCA Laser Radial Youth World Championships
July 24-31, 2019 // Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
Drop by Portsmouth Olympic Harbour for the 2019 World Sailing – ILCA Laser Radial Youth World Championships. This year, we’re expecting at least 200 participants from 29 countries. Athletes will have qualified in their own country to compete in this championship. Racing starts every day a noon with up to eight races per day. If you’re looking for a location to spectate, CORK recommends the waterfront pathway between Portsmouth Olympic Harbour to the Kingston Yacht Club and even on Wolfe Island.
4. 2019 ILCA Laser 4.7 Youth World Championships
August 16-23, 2019 // Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
Kingston will welcome at least 160 athletes from 31 confirmed countries around the world in August. Similar to the ILCA Laser Radial Youth World Championships, athletes will be in the younger age range of 13-17 years old. Many of the sailors return to Kingston year after year and have significant family ties to the sport. Keep your eye out for a few Kingston athletes representing Canada at this competition!
5. 2019 North American Youth Chess Championships
August 15-20, 2019 // Queen’s University
The Chess’n Math Association, the Chess Federation of Canada and the World Chess Federation will be hosting the 16th Annual North American Youth Chess Championships at Queen’s University. This will be the first time Kingston hosts a FIDE event and the fourth Canadian city to host this international 9 round tournament. Kingston will welcome players from Canada, United States and Mexico during the 6-day competition.
