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By rdnewsNOW staff

Lakeland Region

2026 Alberta Winter Games set for this weekend

Feb 13, 2026 | 7:12 PM

The 2026 Alberta Winter Games officially began on Friday.

From now until Monday, the Lakeland Region will host over 2,400 athletes, coaches, and technical officials from across Alberta.

They’ll compete over the three-day event, which will include 18 sports such as hockey and curling.

The provincial government, in partnership with the City of Cold Lake, M.D. of Bonnyville, Town of Bonnyville and Village of Glendon, has provided the host community with $1.2 million to support operations, transportation, food services, venues and promotions for the 2026 Alberta Winter Games.

“Congratulations and good luck to every athlete competing at the 2026 Alberta Winter Games,” said Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport, in a media release. “We are proud to support an event that inspires future champions and showcases the incredible talent, determination and spirit of young Albertans. Thank you to the 2026 Host Society and 1,500 volunteers who are helping bring this event to life.”

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The 2026 Alberta Winter Games are expected to generate an estimated $3 million in economic impact in the Lakeland Region.

“The four municipalities that make up the Lakeland Winter Games are thrilled to host the 2026 Alberta Winter Games and welcome all the athletes, coaches and family members to our region,” said Craig Copeland, chair, Lakeland Region 2026 Alberta Winter Games Host Society. “We are proud to showcase the recreational facilities we have, and all of us with the committee and the volunteers who have come forward to help hope to provide a great environment for the athletes as they compete at this high level of competition.”

The opening ceremonies took place on Feb. 13 at the Cold Lake Energy Centre, where athletes, coaches and fans gathered to celebrate the official start of the Games and the lighting of the cauldron.

“It’s an incredible honour to represent Zone 7 and play for my home community at the Alberta Winter Games,” said Ezrik Sundt, a volleyball player Zone 7, banner carrier, in a media release. “Competing at such a big event alongside so many talented athletes from across Alberta is really exciting. Training and playing with my great teammates and an awesome coach makes the experience even more meaningful and something I’m really proud to be part of.”

Quick facts

• The Alberta Games are a biennial multisport event for amateur Alberta athletes aged 11 to 16.
• The first Alberta Winter Games were held in 1976 in Banff.
• More than 1,700 athletes will compete in the 2026 Alberta Winter Games after qualifying through zone trials held across Alberta.
  • About 600 coaches and technical officials will be part of the Games.
  • An estimated 1,500 volunteers will be supporting the Games.