By Eli J. Ridder

SPORTS

Medicine Hat’s Kara Brake revealed as 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games manager

Dec 5, 2024 | 6:40 PM

Medicine Hat’s Kara Brake has been hired to manage preparation and execution of the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next two years from fundraising, to solidifying contracts with community partners, to finding the 1,200 volunteers that we will require to put on these National Games,” Brake said in a released statement.

“Our community has always been so supportive of events like this and I’m looking forward to showcasing our city to visitors from across the country.”

Brake was formally hired by a local board of directors in September, according to a Special Olympics news release on Thursday.

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She’s previously served as games manager for the 2016 Alberta Winter Games and the 2017 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.

Brake was also manager of the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council and most recently the business and innovation coordinator with the City of Medicine Hat.

Brake has volunteered on many committees within the community including the 2019 55+ Alberta Summer Games, 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, and annual Southern Alberta Summer Games.

Working with 15 directors, Brake’s early work has focused on getting administration set up and undertaking some of the tasks that need to get sorted out before more than 1,700 athletes and support staff come to southern Alberta in less than two years’ time, the county said.

Corporate fundraising efforts are already underway, venues are being confirmed, and a new website is being built. These are but a few of the work happening behind the scenes, and activities will ramp up as the Games get closer.

“It might seem like a long time, but we have a lot to do in the next 21 months,” Brake said.

“These Games will create an inclusive and memorable experience for all participants, ignite Medicine Hat’s community spirit, and leave a lifetime legacy for those with intellectual disabilities.”

Clarification: The news release was from Special Olympics, not Cypress County.