March 28, 2025
Season-long hosting of Ontario Volleyball events concludes this weekend.
WHITBY, ON – Abilities Centre, an incubator for accessibility and inclusion, concludes a successful pilot program this weekend, hosting weekly Ontario Volleyball (OVA) events, and bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact to Durham Region and the Town of Whitby.
Over the past five months, club volleyball teams from across the province came together at Abilities Centre to participate in OVA tournaments. Athletes aged 11-18 years old have competed in a variety of events, culminating in this weekend’s 18U Girls Grand Prix. In addition to the economic impact to the Town and Region, hosting provincial-wide events at Abilities Centre has also exposed thousands of new people to the inclusive and accessible environment this world-class facility is known for.
“As a non-profit organization, it is important for Abilities Centre to find creative ways to generate revenue and bring more people to our facility so they can join in our mission of creating a barrier-free life for all Canadians,” shares Michael Cvitkovic, President and Chief Executive Officer at Abilities Centre. “By hosting season-long events, such as the OVA tournaments, we are able to keep our membership rates low while also playing a role in driving tourism within Durham Region.”
OVA at Abilities Centre – By the Numbers:
- 17 weeks
- 162 teams
- 4,000+ players, coaches, officials and spectators
- 650 hotel nights*
- $300,000+ economic impact*
*approximate
Abilities Centre will meet with OVA and Durham Tourism during the off-season to review this pilot program and discuss a long-term hosting endeavour with hopes to include parasport and training opportunities in addition to hosting more events.
About Abilities Centre:
Abilities Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in Whitby, Ontario, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative programs in health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills development, the Centre fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. Our mission is to reimagine accessibility and redefine the way Canadians live, work, and play. For more information about the Abilities Centre and its programs, please visit www.abilitiescentre.org.
Media Contact:
Chelsea Wolf
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Abilities Centre
cwolf@abilitiescentre.org