After considerable thought, the podcast will be stepping away from regular production and entering an extended hiatus.

Since its beginning, the goal of this series has been to look beyond scores, standings and results and spend some time with the people who make sport happen in Ottawa.

Every guest brought something different to that conversation. From athletes and coaches to organizers, administrators and people working behind the scenes, there was always something to learn. Sometimes it was about competition and performance. Other times it was about perseverance, community, opportunity, leadership or simply why sport matters to people in the first place.

Those conversations also reinforced something important: some of the most interesting stories in sports are happening far away from the biggest leagues, biggest broadcasts and biggest headlines.

The complete archive of interviews and episodes will remain online and available to listen to.

There is no timetable for a return. This may be an extended pause, or it may ultimately mark the conclusion of the podcast. For now, that question can remain unanswered.

To every guest who gave their time and trusted the podcast with part of their story, thank you. And to everyone who listened, shared an episode or supported the project along the way, thank you for being part of it.

For the first time, Ottawa will host Canada Soccer’s National Championships for the women’s Jubilee Trophy and men’s Challenge Trophy. We look at what this milestone means for the city, the sport, and the thousands of players who compete across Canada each year.

More information: canadasoccer.com

Ottawa’s inclusive and adaptive sports community took centre stage at the Ottawa Inclusive and Para Sports Expo and the Adapt EXPO held at Carleton University.

In this episode of Ottawa and the Future of Sports, we highlight one of the region’s largest gatherings focused on accessibility, inclusive recreation, and para sport. From wheelchair rugby and sledge hockey to adaptive sailing, boccia, and para biathlon, the event showcased how sport and physical activity can be made accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

This episode also explores the growing collaboration between local organizations, coaches, athletes, caregivers, and community leaders working to create a more inclusive sports ecosystem across Ottawa and the National Capital Region.

Featuring highlights and information from the Ottawa Inclusive and Para Sports Expo, the Adapt EXPO, and reporting by CTV News.

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 Thunderbolts

A 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 results

The 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.