Local lacrosse fans will be happy to hear about the latest announcement for the Canada Summer Games in Niagara.
The federal Minister of Sport, Kirsty Duncan made the announcement at the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in St. Catharines today that $1.7 million dollars will be spent to add box lacrosse to the 2021 Games.
Duncan says it's been 30 years since lacrosse has been played at the games.
She says the pilot project of adding box lacrosse is aimed to increase Indigenous participation at the Canada Games.
Duncan says "The addition of box lacrosse at the 2021 Canada Games in Niagara is a major milestone in the promotion of Indigenous sport development. Young people will get the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities and celebrate the heritage of this historical sport, while taking part in a wonderful sporting event that brings together athletes from all over the country."
Lacrosse was named Canada's national game by Parliament in 1859 and was re-confirmed by Parliament as the National (Summer) Sport of Canada in 1994.
The 150th anniversary of lacrosse was celebrated in 2017. It helped honour and celebrate the history and cultural significance of Canada's national summer sport.
The games are expected to draw more than 5,000 athletes from across the country to Niagara during the summer of 2021.