The events will be hosted at The Lake Joseph Golf Club in Port Carling on May 25 and Muskoka Bay Resort in Gravenhurst on July 27. Registration for each qualifier closes 10 days in advance of the event, and there is a maximum number of teams per event.

The competition is open to teams of four eligible amateur golfers who all have an up-to-date Golf Canada handicap and are 19 years of age or older. 

The winners of each local qualifier are invited to participate in one of thirteen Regional Finals later this summer. From there, Regional Final winners will be awarded the chance to participate and win a National Championship at the prestigious Cabot Links Golf Course in Nova Scotia in the fall. There will also be two guaranteed spots at the National Final for all-female teams. 

Now in its 11th year, the PGA Scramble presented by BMW is the largest grassroots amateur golf program in Canada, taking place at over 185 locations. The program has steadily grown every year, with last year featuring over 12,000 participants from coast-to-coast. 

To register or see a full list of local qualifiers in the area, golfers can visit pgascramble.com/local-qualifiers/

The post Amateur Golf Competition Coming To Muskoka This Month appeared first on Muskoka411.

The team was considered underdogs going into the weekend – with the Royals being ranked lowest in their pool – but pushed their way through the round robin games in order to make it to the semi finals on Sunday. After a hard fought battle against the Dorchester Dragons, the Royals punched their ticket to the finals later that afternoon.

Having lost to Markham-Stouffville earlier in the tournament, the Royals were determined to get their revenge in the finals. 

The game was full of intense back and forth play and wild goalie saves, but at the end of regulation play, the score was tied at 5-5. This meant overtime, a challenge that the team was ready to face. 

After six long minutes, it was Muskoka who came out on top after a hat trick goal from forward Danica Scribner, with assists coming from fellow forward Ryley Reid and center Jolene Allair.

“Scoring that hat trick goal in overtime made me feel very proud of myself,” Scribner said. 

“Over the years I have always been super hard on myself while on the ice, thinking I wasn’t skating hard enough or messing up too many passes, so to look around and see everyone crying and celebrating made me realize I shouldn’t be so hard on myself after all.”

Scribner, who has played ringette for 10 years, said that the win also means so much to her because of all the negative comments she has heard about the sport over the years.

“I’ve heard things like ‘ringette isn’t a real sport’ or ‘ringette sucks,’ and have also had some hockey players make some negative comments to us while waiting to get on the ice, so to get this win is a big accomplishment and only makes me more determined to make it far in ringette.”

Scribner said that this win wouldn’t have been possible without the team’s head coach Brea Hodge, who has been with this group of players for over seven years. 

“Coach Hodge is so creative and always finds ways to bring our team together before going out on the ice. She knew exactly when to push me, but also when I needed some understanding. She’s been the best coach and has truly shaped me into the player that I’ve become today.”

For Hodge, this win meant more than just the gold medal, it was proof that all of the hard work over the years had finally paid off in what was the team’s last ever game together.

“It was every practice, every tear, every social hurdle, every win, every loss, every team cohesion activity, all rolled into one culminating moment of seeing their hard work pay off. It was the roar of the parents who couldn’t stop jumping up and down in the stands, tears of sheer joy from the players, bench staff and parents in the hallways after, and the parent chat that blew up on Monday morning with complaints of stiff joints and fatigue from the stress of winning!”

Hodge explained that the team had won several silver medals in previous years, but gold had always seemed to slip through their fingers. 

“No one expected them to make it to the finals, so they were able to play without pressure or expectations. When that final goal went in, the collective energy of that win was seen, felt, and heard by everyone there. Showing their coaches, their families and most of all each other that they could do this was one of the most touching displays of sportsmanship I have ever witnessed.”

The post Muskoka Royals Ringette Team Wins Gold At Championship Tournament appeared first on Muskoka411.

Proceeds of the tournament will be distributed to local charities and non-profit organizations in North Simcoe. This new event will complement the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament and provide an opportunity to increase the charitable reach for the township.

The pickleball tournament will feature play for doubles teams for several categories:
• Men’s Double 65+ – Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Women’s Double 65+ – Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
• Mixed Doubles 65+ – Friday, August 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Men’s Doubles Open – Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Women’s Doubles Open – Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
• Mixed Double Open – Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
The cost to register is $130 plus taxes for a duo (two-person team).

Sponsorship opportunities are available for both the pickleball and golf tournaments.

“We are excited to add a brand-new Charity Pickleball Tournament aimed at increasing our
ability to help fund the programs and services that help those in need in our community,” said
Mayor David Evans. “Since the inception of the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, the
community has helped us raise over $517,000 that has been distributed to local charities in our area. We hope you will join us on the greens and on the courts this year to help us to make a difference in North Simcoe while enjoying a fun event.”

To register for the Township of Tiny Charity Pickleball Tournament or learn more about
sponsorship opportunities, visit www.tiny.ca/CharityTournaments.

The post Registration Is Open For Township Of Tiny’s First Pickleball Tournament  appeared first on Muskoka411.

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) has announced the athletes selected to the 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team. These athletes earned their selection through strong performances at national and international competitions and will represent Canada throughout the upcoming season.

The Canadian National Water Ski Team program recognizes athletes from across several tiers based on competitive results and international rankings. The 2026 team features multiple world champions, record holders, and rising international stars.

“Canada continues to produce some of the best water ski athletes in the world, and this year’s national team reflects both the strength and depth of our high-performance program,” said Kyle Hunter, High-Performance Director & Sport Coordinator for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “We are proud of the performances these athletes delivered last season and look forward to supporting them as they represent Canada on the international stage throughout 2026.”

Several athletes delivered standout performances during the 2025 season.

Jaimee Bull of North Bay, ON, continued her dominance in Women’s Slalom, becoming a three-time and three-peat World Champion. Bull also secured the Waterski Pro Tour Championship in 2025.

Ryan Dodd of Olds, AB, a five-time World Champion and current world record holder in Men’s Jump, placed second at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Dodd also recently captured the 2026 Moomba Masters Men’s Jump title, adding another major victory to his career.

Dorien Llewellyn, originally from Lake Worth, FL, with family roots in Innisfail, AB, is the reigning Men’s Overall World Champion. At the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships, Llewellyn also earned bronze in Men’s Jump.

Charlie Ross of Winter Garden, FL, who trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer, continued his rise in Men’s Slalom in 2025. Charlie is the two-time and reigning U21 World Champion, finished second in Men’s Slalom at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships, and is the U21 world record holder. Most recently, he captured his second consecutive Moomba Masters Men’s Slalom title.

Neilly Ross, Charlie’s sister, also from Winter Garden, FL, and training in Muskoka during the summer months, is the reigning Women’s Trick World Champion. She recently finished second in Women’s Trick at the 2026 Moomba Masters.

Several other athletes on the 2026 team have also achieved significant success on the international stage. Whitney McClintock-Rini of Cambridge, Ontario is a nine-time World Champion and multiple-time Pan Am Games medalist. Hannah Stopnicki of Montreal, Quebec is the reigning U21 World Champion in Women’s Trick. Cole McCormick, originally from Dundee, Florida with family roots in Kitchener, Ontario, placed third in Men’s Slalom at the 2025 Masters, after winning the event the previous year. Stephen Neveu of Calgary, Alberta is a multiple-time professional event podium finisher, Pan Am Games silver medalist, and World Championships bronze medalist in Men’s Slalom. Paige Pigozzi, from Florida with family roots in Kingston, ON, is a multiple time Pan Am Games medalist and professional event podium finisher.

The 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team reflects both experienced international competitors and emerging athletes who continue to elevate Canada’s presence on the world stage.

The athletes selected to the 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team are:

Tier 1

• Jaimee Bull – North Bay, ON
• Ryan Dodd – Olds, AB
• Dorien Llewellyn – Lake Worth, FL (family from Innisfail, AB)
• Charlie Ross – Winter Garden, FL (trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer)
• Neilly Ross – Winter Garden, FL (trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer)

Tier 2

• Whitney Rini – Cambridge, ON
• Paige Pigozzi – Clermont, FL (family from Kingston, ON)

Tier 4

• Olivia Chute – Fall River, NS
• Cole McCormick – Dundee, FL (family from Kitchener, ON)

Tier 5

• Hannah Stopnicki – Montreal, QC

Tier 6

• Thomas Daigle – Saint-Hippolyte, QC
• Carter Lucas – Saskatoon, SK
• Stephen Neveu – Calgary, AB

These athletes will compete at major national and international competitions throughout the 2026 season, representing Canada at professional tour stops and international championships.

The post Water Ski And Wakeboard Canada Names 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team appeared first on Muskoka411.

As part of its plan to protect Ontario consumers and families, the government is taking action to propose amendments to the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, to combat overpriced ticket resale prices. New legislative changes would make it illegal for tickets to concerts, cultural, sports and other live events in Ontario to be re-sold for more than their original cost. These new measures would protect fans and consumers from exploitative, professional resellers who artificially drive up ticket prices and help ensure all Ontarians have the opportunity to attend premier live events across the province.

The post Ontario Is Banning Overpriced Sports, Concert And Live Event Resale Tickets appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Our government is proud to support the 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games in Orillia, which has a successful history of delivering Ontario Games events, and I am confident that they will deliver another unforgettable experience,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “We look forward to seeing people from every corner of the province come together in Orillia to compete with their peers and showcase the benefits of lifelong, healthy, active living.”

The 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games are expected to generate an economic impact of more than $1 million, with up to 1,000 athletes and participants from across the province competing in 11 sports and activities, including hockey, badminton, volleyball and curling. The province’s investment will support the City of Orillia and the Games Organizing Committee with the implementation and delivery of these Games.

“The City of Orillia is pleased to once again be selected to host the 55+ Winter Games in 2028. We are grateful for the support and partnership we have built with the Ministry of Sport to help deliver the Ontario Games,” said Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia. “As a three-time host of the youth games and now two-time host for the 55+ Games, we are proud to demonstrate our community’s commitment to celebrating active living and sport at every age. Beyond the significant economic benefits of drawing visitors from across Ontario to the entire Simcoe area, hosting the Games leaves a lasting legacy in Orillia, bringing our community together through volunteerism, teamwork and celebration of sport.”

Games Ontario events increase domestic tourism, provide communities with valuable experience in hosting events, develop a base of qualified volunteers and encourage more people to participate in future Games and sports tourism events.

This funding will ensure the City of Orillia’s successful delivery of the Games, which previously hosted the event in 2024 as well as the 2018, 2020 and 2026 Ontario Winter Games.

The post Orillia Selected To Host 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games appeared first on Muskoka411.

This exciting league provides a fun introduction to football while helping children develop athletic skills, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment.

Orillia Sessions:

• West Orillia Sports Park

• Saturdays, May 2 – June 14 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration: $249 – includes a jersey, flag belt, and insurance coverage. Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to register early.

Parents can register and learn more at https://www.tfont.com/youthfootball

“Flag football is a fantastic way for kids to stay active, build friendships, and learn the fundamentals of the game without the contact risks associated with traditional football,” said Russ Henderson, President of Touch Football Ontario. “Our goal is to make sports fun, inclusive, and safe for all participants.”

The post Spring Youth NFL Flag Football Comes To Orillia – Safe, Fun, And Beginner-Friendly appeared first on Muskoka411.

OPP vehicles across the province will once again sport “Proud Supporter of the LNHL” decals, back with a fresh new design, leading up to and during the tournament. This initiative, launched in 2025 through a partnership between the OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau, the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario, and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, aims to garner police support for the tournament and raise funds for First Nations youth.

Last year, decal sales raised $7,500, which was used to establish a new Ontario Police Services bursary for LNHL players who are committed to community safety and looking to pursue a career in policing.

“The OPP recognizes that the LNHL Tournament offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful community outreach and foster positive relationships with Indigenous youth,” said Chief Superintendent Gary Maracle, OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau. “Every decal sold helps strengthen community connections, celebrate culture, and create opportunities for First Nations athletes.”

The LNHL is Ontario’s largest annual hockey tournament for First Nations youth. In 2025, it hosted 275 teams and approximately 3,500 players, attracting over 10,000 fans. It’s pillars, education, citizenship, sportsmanship, and respect, align closely with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and other reports and recommendations that aim to advance truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

OPP members will be at arenas throughout the tournament to cheer on athletes and show their commitment to safe, supportive communities. Learn more at lnhl.ca.

The post OPP Gearing Up To Support The Little Native Hockey League Tournament appeared first on Muskoka411.

Opening Ceremonies will feature an Athlete’s Parade, speeches from dignitaries and sponsors, the lighting of the Ontario Winter Games cauldron, and fireworks. Members of the public are invited to attend these free events and celebrate sport, community, and provincial pride.

“As Orillia welcomes athletes from across the province for the second weekend, the 2026 Ontario Winter Games will stand as a memorable celebration of athletic excellence and the unifying power of sport,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These Games will shine a spotlight on the talent, hard work and dedication of the young athletes invited to compete. Our government is proud to support Orillia in hosting an event that creates lasting memories, boosts the local economy and reinforces Ontario’s reputation as a leader in sport development and a host for world-class events.”

“Week Two is an exciting continuation of what has already been an unforgettable Games,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac. “From the slopes to the pool, Orillia is proud to welcome Ontario’s top athletes for another weekend of competition, teamwork, and inspiration.”

The second week of competition will feature alpine skiing, artistic swimming, 5-pin bowling, cross country, para nordic, fencing, futsal, snowboard, and wrestling. Athletes from across the province will showcase their skills across venues in Orillia and Simcoe County.

“Seeing the athletes return for Week Two is a reminder of the power of sport in creating memories and inspire future leaders,” said Will LaFrance, General Manager, Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games. “We are proud to continue celebrating the dedication and talent of these young athletes.”

The Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games are proudly presented by Desjardins Financial Group, whose support helps make this celebration of sport possible.

“It is an immense source of pride for us to support the 2026 Ontario Winter Games in Orillia,” said Benaaz Aronis, Senior Vice-President at Desjardins Financial Group. “These Games bring together young athletes from across the province, giving them the opportunity to push their limits, celebrate their achievements, and experience moments that will remain etched in their memories forever. At Desjardins, we believe in the next generation. Events like this reflect the very best and greatest inspiration that sport can offer.”

During the Opening Ceremonies on Feb. 26, temporary road closures and parking impacts will be in effect. Visit orillia.ca/OWGImpacts for details, maps and timing, and orillia2026.ca for full Games information.

Games Ontario

The 2026 Ontario Winter Games is supported by the Ontario government, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers and supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.

The post Orillia 2026 Ontario Winter Games Return For Week Two Of Competition appeared first on Muskoka411.

Six youth hockey organizations across Simcoe County and Muskoka have scored a financial boost through the Boots and Hearts Barn Burner.

According to a news release, a total of $15,000 is being donated to support local programs, with each organization receiving $2,500 to help offset rising costs such as equipment, ice time and program development.

The funding will support the Barrie Minor Hockey Association, Orillia Minor Hockey Association, Barrie Jr. Sharks, the Muskoka Bears junior hockey team, the Orillia Eagles Special Needs Hockey Club and the Orillia Girls Hockey Association.

Held at Sadlon Arena in Barrie, the 2025 Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game raised $605,210 in support of local charities and organizations across Barrie and Simcoe County.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, who also chairs the Boots and Hearts Barn Burner, said the initiative reflects the broader role hockey plays in the region.

“Hockey is more than just a game — it teaches teamwork, discipline and perseverance,” he said.

“We’re proud to support these organizations and help ensure young players have opportunities to grow both on and off the ice.”

Eva Dunford, co-founder of the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, said youth sports helps in several ways.

“By supporting these associations, we’re investing in the next generation of athletes and community leaders,” she said.

Angie Scott of the South Muskoka Bears said the funding will help send the U18B team to the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights President’s Day Tournament.

“This support is helping our team compete on international ice and represent Muskoka and Canada,” she said.

Organizers state the donations put a spotlight on the Barn Burner’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and inclusive sport.

No date has been set for the 2026 Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game.

Artricle

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