Ontario Community Events has been a cornerstone of the local community since 1998, when it was founded as Ontario Youth Sports. Back then, the youth sports landscape in Ontario was fragmented, with football and baseball programs operating independently.
“The youth sports world was primarily football and baseball in Ontario, and a group of guys got together and formed one youth sports board to bring all those programs together,” Kenn Spencer, Director of Ontario Community Events said.
By uniting the various sports under a single coordinated organization, Ontario Community Events was able to streamline operations, align schedules, and ultimately provide a more cohesive and enriching experience for young athletes. If there’s a youth sport in Ontario, there is a good chance it goes through Ontario Community Events.
But the organization’s impact extends far beyond just youth sports.
“If there’s an event like an Easter egg hunt or our upcoming craft show and haunted hallways, those are all run through us as well,” Spencer said.
By centralizing the planning and logistics of these activities, Ontario Community Events ensures the community calendar runs smoothly and families can easily get involved. The organization’s focus on fostering youth engagement through sports has been a core part of its mission from the beginning.
Cory Cardwell, the Parks Supervisor for the City of Ontario, grew up in the area. As a student, he was heavily involved in sports and extracurricular activities.
“Sports were a huge part of my life and the extracurricular activities really helped keep me engaged and active in the community,” Cardwell said.
Kennedie Spencer, a former student, now a teacher at Ontario Local Schools, echoes the same sentiment. Throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school she participated in various extracurricular activities including soccer, softball, Girl Scouts, choir – the list goes on.
“Throughout my time at school, sports and extracurricular activities, I always felt supported by the people around me. I hope to help carry on that tradition,”
“I decided to become a teacher because I loved school and truly wanted to give students the same experience of “loving school” that I got to have,” Kennedie said.
Like Kennedie, Cardwell’s career went full circle, and he started working for the City of Ontario as a parks laborer, working his way up the ranks, becoming a parks foreman and eventually landing a role as the parks supervisor. Cardwell had moved to North Carolina for a few years, but missed the Ontario community.
“When the opportunity came up to return and take on this supervisor position, it was an easy decision for me and my family to come back home,” Cardwell said.
There’s just been a big investment in enhancing the recreational amenities that the community can enjoy.”
The City of Ontario has several new facilities like pickleball courts, updated playgrounds, and turf baseball, giving residents even more ways to stay active and engaged.
By fostering youth engagement through sports, celebrations, and other activities, the organization has become an integral part of what makes Ontario such a special place to call home.
As the city continues to evolve, Ontario Community Events remains committed to its broad footprint in the community, through events, sports, and working with the community. OCE staff and organization works tirelessly to create shared experiences that residents of all ages can enjoy.
OCE is creating a place that inspires families to return, ensuring a thriving and connected community for generations.
“Lots of those unique, fun things that the kids do in the community are run through Ontario Community Events,” Spencer said. By uniting the city through these initiatives, the organization has cemented its status as a beloved local institution – one that will undoubtedly continue to shape the fabric of Ontario for years to come.
To learn more about Ontario Community Events, visit their website.
