The largest percentage of growth in participation occurred in 1982-83 when the Association initiated a tiered system in some of its league sports.
The following year, East met West and the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) was founded.
This and the establishment of a Central Office, enabled the OCAA to professionalize its operations and give its members a focal point for continued growth.
Most observers agree that no other CCAA conference has come close to matching the hosting job Ontario did that year.
This program was created to enable a greater portion of the student body to receive the health benefits which recreational and competitive activity can provide.
In nine of these sports, the OCAA Champion go on to compete nationally within the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA).
A high standard of competition has already been achieved by Ontario college teams both at the Provincial and National levels.
Algonquin's program continued their national medal haul in both men's basketball and volleyball both capturing bronze.
The women were also successful on the national scene as OCAA Cross-Country runner Dawn Martin of St. Lawrence College - Brockville captured bronze in.
On April 30, 2003, 265 people attended the inaugural induction ceremony in Toronto to pay tribute to the first 103 inductees, and celebrate the OCAA's rich history.