Local Special Olympics athletes join Mayor Ted Clugston and Councillor Brian Varga to announce Medicine Hat will host the 2022 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in 2022 (Twitter: @SpecialOAlberta)

By Charles Lefebvre/Alex McCuaig

Special Olympics coming to Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat to host 2022 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

Oct 17, 2019 | 4:46 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat will welcome the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in 2022.

The city and representatives from Special Olympics Canada made the announcement Thursday afternoon at City Hall. It is the third time Medicine Hat will host a Special Olympics Canada National Games, according to a release.

“We’re a growing city with a small-town feel, community warmth and big-city business and services,” said Medicine Hat mayor, Ted Clugston, in a statement. “The city of Medicine Hat is ready to share its community spirit and hospitality and welcome all participants and visitors to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in 2022.”

“Special Olympics Canada is thrilled sunny Medicine Hat will be the home of our next Summer Games,” said Special Olympics Canada CEO Sharon Bollenbach in a statement. “Having previously hosted Special Olympics events, we know Medicine Hat will go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional Games experience for the hundreds of athletes participating at Special Olympics Canada’s signature sport competition.”

“It’s great to be coming to Medicine Hat,” said Coun. Brian Varga, organizing committee chair. “We get to showcase our city and not only that, we get to showcase all the Special Olympic athletes that are from around Canada.”

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The Special Olympics are expected to be a boost for the local economy and match the $8 million the 2019 games brought to Antigonish, N.S.

The event is for Canadian athletes with an intellectual disability. In order to compete, athletes must qualify at the local and provincial level.

A total of 10 events (10-pin bowling, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball and swimming) will be featured.

Medicine Hat hosted the Special Olympics Alberta Provincial Summer Games in 2017.

The games will be held from Aug. 7 to 13, 2020.