The Ontario government is giving the 2013 International Children’s Games in Windsor a boost.

The province is providing $250,000 in funding for the games.

"This event will foster understanding amongst children from around the world and will leave an active living legacy project for our community,” says Teresa Piruzza, MPP Windsor West.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis and Warden Tom Bain and event co-chairs welcomed the grant from Piruzza at Notre Dame Elementary School on Friday.

“It’s so fitting that we receive this support in front the very people who will benefit from it for years to come," says  Francis. “The Children’s Games this August will be a fantastic boost to our economy, but the legacy of the event will be an even bigger boost to the health of our residents.”

About 1,500 athletes from 84 cities will gather in Windsor-Essex from Aug. 14-19.