2028-29 Legion Nationals host city revealed: Nanaimo is next

Photo credit: City of Nanaimo GNW

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Under 16 and Under 18 Track and Field competition to be held in “The Harbour City”

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OTTAWA, Ontario, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Royal Canadian Legion is pleased to announce Nanaimo, British Columbia as the next host city for the 2028 and 2029 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships.

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“The kind of unbridled passion from the Nanaimo planning team is exactly what it takes to hold successful games,” says Dominion President Berkley Lawrence. “There is no doubt that alongside our British Columbia Command, and with local branch support, our hosts will ensure that competitors experience a professionally run sporting event and have a lot of fun in this beautiful city!”

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Competition will take place at Nanaimo’s Rotary Bowl as follows:
Nanaimo 2028 competition dates: 11-13 August
Nanaimo 2029 competition dates: 10-12 August

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City of Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says his community is looking forward to hosting the national event, while showcasing all Nanaimo has to offer including its stunning environment.

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“We are pleased and proud to welcome the Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships to Nanaimo,” says Mayor Krog. “This prestigious event brings together Canada’s top young athletes and celebrates the dedication, perseverance and sportsmanship that inspire communities across the country. Nanaimo is honoured to host the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and families who make these championships possible. We look forward to delivering an exceptional experience both on and off the track, showcasing our community’s warmth and hospitality while sharing the natural beauty that makes Nanaimo such a special place to visit, live, work and play.”

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Nanaimo’s Track & Field Club President Louis Beaudoin also expresses how excited their club is to be hosting the event, which will take place in Nanaimo for two years in a row.

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“The Nanaimo Track & Field Club is thrilled that Nanaimo has been selected to host the 2028/2029 Legion National Youth Track & Field Championships,” says Beaudoin. “We look forward to welcoming Canada’s top young athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and families to the Rotary Bowl and working alongside community partners to deliver a memorable championship experience.”

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Other key supporters include Athletics Canada, the Legion’s British Columbia Command, and Tourism Nanaimo.

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“Nanaimo has built a strong reputation as a destination that can successfully host a wide range of sporting events, from community tournaments to national championships,” says Carly Pereboom, CEO of Tourism Nanaimo. “Welcoming the 2028 and 2029 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships is another opportunity to showcase everything that Nanaimo has to offer while creating lasting economic benefits for our community.”

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Close to 1,000 athletes from across the country are expected to compete in Nanaimo starting in 2028. The Legion Nationals are Canada’s only track and field championships for under 16 and under 18 age categories. The world-class competition grew from Legionnaires’ support and promotion of youth sports as a healthy activity to help children whose fathers or mothers were serving abroad or had served in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Legion later developed local, provincial, and national youth athletic programs, which now culminate in the games.