(Photo Courtesy of Special Olympics Canada Website)

By Tiffany Goodwein

City eyeing 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

Jul 26, 2021 | 5:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– The city is looking to place a bid for the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Medicine Hat was originally earmarked to host the national event in 2022, marking the first time it was held in Alberta in 34 years. But the event had to be canceled due to COVID-19.

According to the city, Special Olympics Canada has provided Medicine Hat the First Right of Refusal to host the 2026 Special Olympic Summer Games. That means the games could come to the city unless the city decides it is not something they want to pursue.

The Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society put forward the request to submit a formal bid, which still requires council approval.

” They’ve come to us and said, let’s plan for this now so that we are extremely well prepared, which they always are. But more time to prepare, more time to fundraise and know that we are going to have this event. As well as for a community any event that is like this is a real generator of tourism, of economy, of recreation and vibrancy,” said Public Services committee chair Julie Friesen.

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The Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society estimates the summer games would draw in roughly 1200 athletes from across the country, and 150 officials. Spectators such as parents, relatives and caregivers are also expected to trickle in, should the city host the event.

” It’s great for our business community, hotels, restaurants. We need everything we can get for this community to move things forward, so I will be in full support,” Coun. Jim Turner said.

The last Special Olympics Canada Summer Games was held in Antigonish Nova Scotia and generated an economic impact of $8.7 million.

In order for the city to submit a bid, they are required to provide a $300,000 grant. The city is also required to act as a guarantor of $2.5 million. Public Services Committee Chair Julie Friesen said that while the amount of funds may seem large, the city has acted as a guarantor for events in the past, with no issues.

” We have never once had to use those funds. So I want to be clear to the public that while it is a guaranteed amount we have never had to call upon it, and we are not expected that we would this time.” she said.

Council is expected to vote on submitting a bid at the next council meeting slated for August 3.