Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Special Olympics In August 2026, the City of Medicine

with select events serving as qualifiers for the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile in 2027. The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, much like the Olympic Games. Host communities are selected through a competitive bid process several years in advance, with the honour moving across the country. Medicine Hat was to host in 2022, but the event was cancelled due to the global pandemic. The impact will be felt far beyond the field of play. The Games are expected to generate an estimated $12 million in economic activity for the region, while bringing together more than 1,500 volunteers, which demonstrates the incredible strength and generosity of the local community.

The Special Olympics movement began in 1969 when Dr. Frank Hayden and Eunice Kennedy Shriver hosted the first Games in Toronto. Their vision was simple yet powerful: to recognize the importance of sport and physical activity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, that vision continues to thrive, providing opportunities for athletes at recreational, community, and competitive levels across the country. Sport has an extraordinary ability to transform lives. It builds confidence, communities. The 2026 Games will carry that legacy forward, celebrating not only athletic achievement, but the power of inclusion. socmedhat2026.ca fosters connection, challenges perceptions, and strengthens

Hat will take centre stage as it welcomes the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. It will be a celebration of sport, inclusion, and community spirit unlike any other. From August 11 to 15, more than 1,700 athletes, coaches, and mission staff will gather from across the country, representing 12 provincial and territorial chapters. These athletes have earned their place on the national stage by competing and qualifying through provincial competitions, making this event a true showcase of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. Across six venues throughout the city, competition will unfold in 10 different sports, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. For some athletes, these Games are more than a national milestone, they are a stepping stone to the world stage,

.com

Events & Festivals

39

@TourismMedicineHat