Let's the Games Begin!
Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario is excited to announce the 37th Annual Lieutenant Governor Games at Variety Village. This event brings together schools and community groups from the Greater Toronto Area for Ontario's largest showcase of adaptive and parasports. With the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presiding over the festivities, participants will enjoy a day dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment through a diverse range of sports activities.
Organized through a collaborative effort between Variety Village, local inclusive program providers, and affiliated sport organizations, the Lieutenant Governor Games aim to offer children and youth of all abilities the chance to engage in sports and physical activities. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, participants are encouraged to discover their athletic potential and experience the joy of sports, regardless of any physical or developmental challenges they may face.
These games serve as a gateway for participants to explore both cooperative and competitive games, igniting a passion for sports that may lead them to join recreation leagues or even represent Canada in future Paralympics and Special Olympics. It’s an opportunity for children to not only have fun but also to develop their skills and pursue their athletic dreams.
37th Annual Lieutenant Governor Games 2025
- Where: Friday, February 28, 2025
- When: 10:00am – 1:30pm
- Location: Variety Village, 3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough
- Who can register? Classes, schools, and community organizations are invited to register as teams.
- How to register: Registrations are completed through an online form please click here to get started.
For more information please contact:
Archie Allison
Director, Access & Awareness
(416) 699-7167 extension 236
aallison@varietyontario.ca

“Variety Village is one of the many locations offering First Tee that share our vision of providing accessible and inclusive pathways to sport. Together, we are providing empowering opportunities through sport to all children, regardless of their age, abilities, or backgrounds,” said Amaya Athill, Manager, First Tee – Ontario.
Photography/Video Event Disclaimer – Crowd Release Notice
By taking part in this event you grant the event organizers full rights to use the images resulting from the photography/video filming, and any reproductions or adaptations of the images for fundraising, publicity or other purposes to help achieve the group’s aims. This might include (but is not limited to), the right to use them in their printed and online publicity, social media, press releases and funding applications without compensation. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform an event organizer.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor Of Ontario
The Honourable Edith Dumont is the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. With her honor’s official installation in November of 2023, Dumont has become the first francophone to hold the office, setting a remarkable precedent for inclusivity and diversity.
An esteemed educator and community advocate, her honour brings a wealth of experience and a dedicated commitment to public service. With a deep understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of Ontarians, her honour is the perfect ambassador for our province and for Variety Village.


Emcee, Jeff Tiessen
After 17 remarkable years, Tom Brown has retired as the emcee of our annual Lieutenant Governor Games. We are excited to announce that Jeff Tiessen will be taking over this important role. A double-arm amputee, three-time Paralympian, gold medalist, and world record holder, Jeff is also the founder and president of Disability Today Publishing Group, a leading source of information for and about Canada’s disability community since 1990.
Jeff has worked closely with Variety Village over many years in collaboration with Parasport Ontario, fostering a strong partnership that promotes inclusion and accessibility in sports.
We look forward to Jeff bringing his passion and experience to this year's Games.
The Lieutenant Governor Games Est. 1980
Commencing in 1983, the annual Lieutenant Governor Games was inaugurated by the Honourable John Black Aird, 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1980 – 1985). Succeeding Lieutenant Governors preside over the games to carry on the tradition.
1989
7th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 1989
24th Lt. – Gov., Lincoln Alexander

1996
14th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 1996
25th Lt. – Gov., Hal Jackman

1999
17th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 1999
26th Lt. – Gov., Hilary Weston

2007
23rd Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 2007
27th Lt. – Gov., James Bartleman

2013
29th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 2013
28th Lt. – Gov., David Charles Onley

2019
34th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 2019
29th Lt. – Gov., Elizabeth Dowdeswell

2023
35th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 2023
29th Lt. – Gov., Elizabeth Dowdeswell

2024
36th Annual Lt. – Gov., Games 2024
30th Lt. – Gov., Edith Dumont

Latest News

The 36th Annual Lieutenant Governor Games, 2024
On Friday, February 23, more than 550 children from over 30 schools in the Greater Toronto Area gathered at Variety Village for the 36th Annual Lieutenant Governor Games. This year was particularly significant as it marked the inaugural hosting of the Games by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Ontario’s newest Lieutenant Governor. Returning as emcee was Tom Brown, who has led the event for over fifteen years, bringing his signature energy and enthusiasm to foster a competitive spirit among participants.
The Games provided a unique opportunity for children to engage in both cooperative and competitive activities. This year’s success was made possible through a collaborative effort involving Variety Village, local inclusive program providers, and renowned sport organizations. Notable partners included the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto FC, TFH Canada, The National Ballet of Canada, Special Olympics Ontario, Parasport Ontario, Young Choung Taekwondo Academy – Variety Ontario, Rock Solid Productions Inc., First Tee, Golf Canada, and Bust a Move Dance.
During the closing ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont proudly presented over 560 participation medals to the deserving young athletes, recognizing their hard work, determination, and achievements throughout the day.
The Lieutenant Governor Games continue to be a shining example of inclusion, demonstrating the importance of adaptive sports and recreational activities for children of all abilities. As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we look forward to seeing how the Games will grow under the leadership of Her Honour and the continued support of our community partners.

The 35th Annual Lieutenant Governor Games, 2023
On Friday, February 24, over 800 children from 30 schools across the Greater Toronto Area gathered at Variety Village for the 35th Annual Lieutenant Governor Games. This year was particularly special, marking the largest event in the Games' history, presided over by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor. Notably, this was also the last time Her Honour would preside over the event, as she served as the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 2014 to 2023.
Since their inception, the Lieutenant Governor Games have welcomed more than 12,000 children, offering them opportunities to engage in a variety of adapted games, sports, and recreational activities. Excitement filled the air as participants enjoyed events such as Wheelchair Basketball, Dance, Golf, Bocci, Floor Curling, and Baseball.
The success of this year’s Games was made possible through collaboration with numerous esteemed organizations, including Bust a Move Dance, Jays Care Foundation Challenger Baseball, Special Olympics Ontario, Ontario Para Network, Ophea, Young Cheong Taekwondo, TFH Canada, Rock Solid Productions Inc., ParaGolf Ontario, Golf Canada, and The National Ballet of Canada. These partnerships played a crucial role in creating an inclusive environment where children of all abilities could thrive and participate fully.
The event was hosted by Tom Brown, former CTV weather anchor, and featured special guests such as the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and Henoc Muamba, Toronto Argonauts middle linebacker and MVP. During the closing ceremony, Her Honour presented over 800 participation medals to enthusiastic participants, celebrating their achievements and the spirit of community that defines the Games.
The Lieutenant Governor Games stand as the largest demonstration of adaptive sport and parasport in Ontario for children. They showcase the incredible opportunities available for everyone, regardless of ability, to engage in sports and recreational activities in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.
As we reflect on this year’s achievements and bid farewell to Her Honour, we invite everyone to support adaptive sports in your community. Together, we can promote inclusivity and ensure that all children have the chance to shine in the world of sports.
Become a Sponsor
We invite you to become a valued partner in our upcoming initiatives. By joining us, you'll enhance your brand visibility while contributing to a day filled with community spirit, achievement, and collaboration.
Explore our diverse sponsorship opportunities, designed to showcase your commitment to our community and connect you with a wide audience. Your support will help create a memorable experience for all participants and attendees.
Contact us to learn more about how you can collaborate with us and make a lasting impact.
Make a Direct Donation
Make a meaningful impact! Your generous donation directly supports children with disabilities, enabling their participation in inclusive sports and activities. Every contribution, big or small, enhances accessibility.
Your support helps Variety to:
- Create inclusive training and competition facilities
- Provide adaptive equipment and coaching
- Offer essential services like transportation and family support
Collaborate with us!
We invite local organizations to partner with us in providing sports activities and accessible experiences for children at the event. Your involvement can create valuable opportunities for kids with disabilities to engage in sports and promote inclusion.
This collaboration not only enhances the event but also demonstrates your commitment to the community. In return, we will showcase your organization to hundreds of participants and spectators, highlighting your support for this important cause. Join us in making a lasting impact!