Ottawa and the Future of Sports

Notre Dame Senior Boys Basketball delivered a historic season, winning OFSAA gold and capturing the first provincial team championship in school history.In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, coach Cody McLeod looks back on the road to the title, the identity of the team, the challenges they worked through, and what this moment means for the players, the school, and the Ottawa sports community.A conversation about leadership, belief, development, and a team that rose to the occasion.

On February 4, 2026, the 2025 Ottawa Sports Awards Dinner was held at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa. In this short episode, we highlight key award winners—Athletes of the Year, Coaches of the Year, Teams of the Year, Lifetime Award recipients, the Mayor’s Cup, Special Recognition Awards, the Spirit of Sport Award, and the Ottawa Sport Endowment recipient.Featured winners in this episode: • Athlete of the Year: Ivanie Blondin; Tyrone Henry • Coach of the Year: Fabienne Blizzard; Glenroy Gilbert • Team of the Year: Capital Courts Academy; Ottawa Lions U20 Men’s 4x400m Relay • Lifetime Awards: Steve Johnson (Coach); John Butcher (Technical Official); Kerry MacLean (Volunteer/Administrator) • Mayor’s Cup: Marci Morris • Special Recognition: Emily Bertrand; Allan Ryan • Spirit of Sport Award: Emma Shimizu • Ottawa Sport Endowment: BGC Ottawa ThunderboltsA link to the complete list of winners—including the Individual Sport Award Winners across 70 sport categories—is available here: https://ottawasportsawards.ca/2025-complete-list-of-winners

All Submission Grappling 7 took over Lansdowne Park in Ottawa on Saturday, February 21 featuring gi and no-gi grappling superfights, full-contact amateur MMA, and the ASG Open-Weight Grand Prix Championship.This episode is a rapid series of short, pre-fight interviews recorded about two hours before the event, featuring competitors from across the Ottawa–Gatineau region, plus athletes traveling in from Montreal, Central Ontario, and the Greater Toronto Area.Full resultsThe following athletes were interviewed in this order:Corey Lacroix (Fight Factory)Jean-Robert Benoit (Neak Ta)Nic Howes (N1)Grace Robin (The Ottawa Jiu-Jitsu Club)Lisa Large (Driven Jiu-Jitsu)Dylan Auclair (Fight Factory)Maeva Camejo (Therien Jiu-Jitsu Orléans)Marcos Arias (Therien Jiu-Jitsu Orléans)Catherine Karassavidis (Triangle Nation)Loika Robertson (Evolution BJJ HQ)Nate Sloss (Torus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)Andrew Theoret (Brave Martial Arts Institute)Woldemar Von Rosen (Torus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)Jeff Presta (Therien Jiu-Jitsu Orléans)Duncan Shaheen (Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts)Aiden Liard (Hiltz MMA)Note: Unfortunately, not all competitors at this event were interviewed—including none of the ASG Open-Weight Grand Prix Championship competitors.

This episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports highlights the 2026 Ottawa Winter Open, part of the 2025–2026 Eastern Ontario Chess Association Grand Prix, held at the R.A. Centre in Ottawa. The tournament brought together a strong competitive field, including Grandmasters, International Masters, and dedicated players of all ages, with intensity and focus present throughout the event. Tournament Director Halldor P. Palsson joins the podcast to share insight on the tournament, the local chess community, and the continued growth of competitive chess in Ottawa. Eastern Ontario Chess Association: https://eoca.ca/The R.A. Chess Club: https://www.racentre.com/chess-club.html

Ottawa Rapid FC’s inaugural season set a new tone for women’s soccer in the capital. On and off the pitch, the team captured the city’s attention with fearless performances, packed stands, and a growing community presence.In this episode, Garmamie speaks with Catherine Guevin, Rapid FC’s Community Program Manager, about the culture behind the club, the communication strategy shaping fan engagement, and the momentum building around the Northern Super League.Despite the semifinal loss to Vancouver Rise FC, Rapid FC leaves its first season with strong support and a clear identity — competitive, community-driven, and built for the future.

Basketball energy is booming in Ottawa. In this episode, host Garmamie talks with Ameer AlHussaini of the Ottawa BlackJacks — former college player, youth coach, and now Account Executive with the team.Ameer breaks down his journey, the growth of youth basketball in the city, and what the BlackJacks bring to Ottawa’s sports culture. He also shares what fans can expect inside the arena — speed, intensity, celebration, and athletes pushing their limits.A tight, insightful look at why basketball matters in Ottawa and why now is the time to support the momentum.Get your tickets!

Record runs, roaring crowds, and Ottawa pride. The 2025 Canadian Track & Field Championships had it all.

Three voices — an actor, a community chaplain, and a martial artist — share what it means to take a leap, follow your calling, and live with intention.🎧 Listen now to Strictly Creative — where creativity meets purpose.

Jessica Gyamfi has had a standout season in university athletics.In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we speak with the University of Ottawa shot putter who made school history by becoming the first woman to earn a field event medal at the U SPORTS Track and Field Championships — winning bronze with a throw of 13.32 metres.We discuss how she got into the sport, the focus required for each throw, and how she manages her training while studying nursing. From setting school records to earning gold at the Ontario Championships, Jessica shares what keeps her grounded and motivated.It’s a thoughtful look at the discipline behind the throws — and the student-athlete experience.

On May 31 in Ottawa, Invincible Fighting Championship delivered an event that wasn’t just action-packed, it was a meaningful step forward for amateur MMA athletes and no-gi grapplers in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec.Building community through Combat SportsIn this episode, I speak with fighters, EMTs, referees, photographers, coaches, and organizers to understand what it takes to build a sustainable path for local and regional talent, and why events like this matter for the region’s sports development and competitive ecosystem.The event was a clear success, offering structure, opportunity, and visibility for emerging athletes.Check out  Invincible Fighting Championship 3 on August 2nd in Hawkesbury, Ontario.Learn more at invinciblefight.com

In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we dive into IPPON: La voie de la victoire! — a docu-series following Canada’s elite -81kg judo athletes on their journey to the LA 2028 Olympics.Our guest, Thiéry Michel — VP of Production at TVGO.ca, judo black belt, and filmmaker, shares the inspiration, creative vision, and behind-the-scenes process of bringing this powerful story to life.From intense training to personal sacrifice, IPPON: La voie de la victoire! captures the raw emotion, discipline, and ambition that defines Canadian judo at the highest level.🎥 Watch the first two episodes now :Keagan Young https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NflvOWEYjtMFrançois Gauthier-Drapeauhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si6YqJ-GOKUDon’t forget to share it with both sports and non-sports fans alike!

Ottawa is once again stepping into the national spotlight. The Canadian Track & Field Championships are returning to the capital in both 2025 and 2026. The event will take place from July 30 to August 3 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.Athletics Canada calls it an easy decision, citing Ottawa’s top-tier organization and fan-friendly atmosphere. The Ottawa Lions Track & Field Club and Ottawa Tourism will help lead the charge, aiming to build on the success of the 2017 and 2018 editions.Organizers say the championships will feature elite athletes, strong community involvement, and new grassroots opportunities.For event updates and more, visit the official 2025 Canadian Track & Field Championships website.https://athletics.ca/events/canadian-track-field-championships-2025/

In this short episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we take you inside the historic debut of Ottawa Rapid FC — the capital’s new professional women’s soccer team. With over 6,900 fans in attendance, a live peregrine falcon soaring over TD Place, and two milestone goals from Min-A Lee and Desiree Scott, this was more than a match — it was a moment for Ottawa and women’s sports in Canada.

Carleton University wrestling coach Chris Schrauwen shares insights on the Ravens’ recent performances at the OUA championships and the U SPORTS Wrestling championships. Listen in for a look back on the season, key takeaways, and what’s next for this growing program.

As the first episode of 2025, we recap the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships held in Ottawa. Highlights include reflections on the games, the atmosphere at TD Place, and insights from Hockey Canada’s '11 Days in Ottawa, by the Numbers.' A fresh start to a new year of sports stories in our city. Also read: The Highs and Lows of World Juniors

In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we profile Katrine Pedersen, Ottawa Rapid FC’s first head coach. A former Danish national team captain and Hall of Famer, Pedersen brings a wealth of experience as she prepares to lead the team into the Northern Super League’s inaugural season in 2025. Learn more about the team at www.rapidfc.ca.

In this episode of 'Ottawa and the Future of Sports,' we visit Carleton University to explore Ravens Wrestling, one of the university's newest competitive clubs. Join host Garmamie as he interviews athletes Jessica Hong, Heaven-Lee Emond, Titus Diceman, and Coach Chris Schrauwen about their experiences, passion for the sport, and the growing wrestling community in Ottawa and beyond. To learn more about wrestling at Carleton, visit the Carleton Ravens website at goravens.ca and follow Ravens Wrestling on Instagram.

In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we take a closer look at the OFSAA 2024 Cross Country Championship, held at Ottawa's Terry Fox Athletic Facility. This annual event brought together high school runners from across Ontario for a day of intense competition and community spirit. I’m joined by Kirk Dillabaugh, who shares insights into the event’s highlights, its impact on Ottawa’s sports community, and how it fosters athletic development for young runners in the region. We also discuss the Ottawa Lions Track & Field Club’s youth programs and their role in supporting local athletes. Tune in to hear more about this exciting event and what it means for the future of cross-country running in Ottawa! 2024 OFSAA XC The Ottawa Lions Track & Field Club

Learn how local efforts are bridging connections with diverse groups, including French and English Canadians and the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, while emphasizing the power of sports in creating a sense of belonging. For more information: Senators Launch Community CabinetLearn about how SSE is fostering a more authentic engagement with various communities in the NCR.

In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we talk with Matthias Bedard of PremStream about the growing role of live streaming and on-demand video in sports. Bedard shares insights from his work providing videography services for the IFMA 2024 Pan American Muaythai Championships in Ottawa, and how technology is transforming the fan experience. PremStream

Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations Pan American Championships held at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa on September 28th, 2024. Featuring interviews with Jeff Harrison, Daniel Zhou, Mahalia Coniah and Mirza Hopovac. Discover the passion, skill, and unyielding spirit that define Ottawa's thriving Muay Thai community. Muaythai Canada IFMA

This is just the beginning! Follow along on “Ottawa and the Future of Sports” as we dive into the heart of the city’s sports scene. From grassroots leagues to professional teams, we’ll explore the perspectives of fans, athletes, and organizers shaping the future of sports in Ottawa. Be part of the conversation as we uncover the stories driving Ottawa’s rise as a sports capital. Subscribe now and join us on this exciting journey!