Strathcona County named host of 2026 Alberta Summer Games

Alberta’s minister of tourism and sport, Joseph Schow, said the Games go beyond medals.

“The Alberta Summer Games is more than a competition between the best athletes in our province,” Schow said.

“For host communities, they leave a legacy of enhanced infrastructure, trained volunteers and tourism revenue. For athletes, the Games teach teamwork, build confidence and promote healthy lifestyles that can last well into adulthood.”

The Alberta Games planning committee can proceed with selecting the exact dates for the 2026 event now that the location has been selected.

In the past, the Alberta Summer Games have taken place over four days and have included sports such as rugby 7s, beach volleyball, and track and field.

For the 2023 Games, 1,996 athletes participated in 14 different sports.

The province noted that the 2023 event, hosted by Okotoks and Diamond Valley, brought in just under 10,000 visitors and provided an economic boost of nearly $9.5 million for the host communities.

“Strathcona County’s exceptional infrastructure, passion for sports and renowned hospitality make it a perfect fit to host the 2026 Alberta Summer Games,” Nate Glubish, MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park, said.

“I look forward to welcoming Alberta’s young athletes to our community.”

Alberta athletes qualify to attend the Games through zone playoffs for their sport and through selections held across the province.

Strathcona County previously hosted the 1987 Alberta Summer Games and 2000 Alberta Winter Games.

Since 1998, 18 Alberta Games athletes have represented Canada at the Olympics.

by Justin Goulet

Strathcona County named host of 2026 Alberta Summer Games

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