London's mayor wants city councillors to get behind a bid that could see thousands of athletes flock to the area in 2018.
Tourism London is making a bid to host the 2018 Ontario Summer Games and Mayor Matt Brown is requesting council unanimously support the move.
In a letter going to the strategic priorities and policy committee on Monday, Brown notes London has "established itself as a first-class sports tourism destination." He goes on to say previous sporting events hosted in the city have brought international, national, and provincial recognition, benefitted the local economy, and provided exciting events for sports enthusiasts.
Brown stresses that no financial support is being sought from the city, however it is mandatory that Tourism London’s bid include a resolution indicating the support of council.
The 2018 games are scheduled to run August 3, 4, and 5. If awarded to London the event would bring roughly 3,500 competitors to the city.
In previous years, the city has hosted the World Figure Skating Championships, the Canada Summer Games, the Memorial Cup, and the World Transplant Games.
The Ontario Summer Games sees athletes from all regions of the province, ages 13 to 17, compete and prepares them for future competition on the national and international stage.
Mississauga is the host city for the 2016 edition.
