Sport in Hamilton encourages lifelong physical activity to enhance physical and mental well being of all citizens.

To enrich sport and physical activity experience in the City of Hamilton by activating a values-based system that promotes, supports and enhances opportunities for all.

The organization began in 1986 and until 2004 was known as the Hamilton Sport Council. The volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of community citizens who have a strong sport interest.

A sport conference headed by former City of Hamilton Culture and Recreation Department staffperson, Bob Sugden took place in 1986. The outcome was to form a sports council representing various sports throughout Hamilton. Jimmy Simpson was the first President and served from 1987-1988.

In the summer of 1989 a group went to the International Children’s Games in Uzgorod in the Ukraine. Members of the parks and recreation advisory were chosen to attend– including Johnny Kiriakopoulos and Andy Skrypniak. Jimmy Simpson resigned as President in the fall of 1989.

Phil Saresky was elected to replace Jimmy Simpson as President and remained in the position for approximately 8 years.

In 1996, Bill Rutlidge became President and served until until 2001.  He was replaced by Dr. Gene Sutton, a retired Physical Education teacher from Delta High School in Hamilton’s east end.

In 2004 the Hamilton Sports Council changed it’s name to SportHamilton, an incorporated not for profit organization. 

Dr. Sutton remained as SportHamilton President until her untimely passing in the summer of 2009.

Dr. John Byl, who was Vice President at the time, a Physical Education professor at Redeemer College assumed the responsibilities of President until 2010.

In 2010 Helen Downey, a secondary School Physical education teacher and Co-Instructional Department Head became President and continues to serve in that role.

The mandate of SportHamilton is to assist local sport organizations in a variety of ways such as coaching education, volunteer training, recognition events such as the Annual Sport Volunteer Appreciation Awards and the Annual Breakfast of Champions. Funding for these initiatives was limited until 2002 when the Ontario Trillium Foundation provided strong financial support to SportHamilton over a three year period. This funding and grants and partnerships from other sources have allowed SportHamilton to continue with it’s mandate on a broader scope within the newly amalgamated City of Hamilton.

SportHamilton receives some financial support from the City of Hamilton annually since it's inaugural beginnings and works closely with the City’s Recreation Department.   As well SportHamilton works with  Public Health Department, the  Hamilton school boards, McMaster University, Mohawk College, Redeemer University, Canadian Sport for Life Society and various other sport and not for profit agencies developing partnerships and collaborations for the benefit and enhancement of sport and physical activity in the Hamilton community.

In 2015 SportHamilton partnered with Arecelor Mittal Dofasco Grassroots Soccer Pan Am Legacy Program.  In 2017 Hamilton Moves Project was approved  by Ontario Trillium Foundation bringing together various partners (Sport for Life, HWCDSB, City of Hamilton Recreation and Public Health) for a three year physical literacy project. In 2016  SportHamilton with an OTF seed grant led a feasibility study for a Multi-Sport Indoor Facility Project now known as the Hamilton Collaborative Partnership Group. In 2018 SportHamilton joined the effort in bringing home the 100th Anniversary of the  Commonwealth Games to Hamilton as part of the  Hamilton 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation Bid Committee.  In 2021 SH developed partnerships with Interval House House Hamilton (Be More Than a Bystander Program) and KidSport Hamilton chapter.

Safe, respectful and fun environments

Inclusive access for all

Fair play

Positive, respectful, ethical and professional behavior

Celebration of excellence and volunteerism

Sharing quality resources and developing strategic partnerships

Promote quality sport and physical activity as outlined by Sport for Life LTD Framework

Promote activities that support sustainability

Utilize effective communication

Display effective management and fiduciary responsibility

Promote and role model High Five and True Sport Principles