Southern Alberta Summer Games registration opens after delay tied to new system

The Games, scheduled for July 8 to 11 across the County of Forty Mile region, will mark the first time the event has returned to the area since 1996.

Athletes are being encouraged to contact their regional directors before registering online, as each region is limited in the number of competitors allowed in specific age categories and events.

“There is only a certain amount of participants per region, per age group that are allowed to participate,” Hurt said.

“So some regions that do have a high volume of athletes that want to participate might have to playdown, so it’s very, very important you talk to your regional director before registering.”

The 2026 Games are expected to include about 24 sporting and cultural events hosted in Bow Island, Foremost, Burdett, Forty Mile Park and Raymond.

Hurt said organizers have adjusted the event lineup to better reflect the region, including the addition of cornhole and disc golf.

“They usually do equestrian, this year we decided to do barrel racing, since it is more popular within our region,” Hurt said.

“Since we do have that new indoor riding arena that was built in Foremost, we are hosting more games that are compatible with our region.”

Hurt said the Games are designed to appeal to a broad range of participants, from youth competitors to seniors, and include both athletic and cultural activities.

“I think this is a great way to get our community more involved within our region, and get them a little bit more educated with summer games,” Hurt said.

“It’s not just for the young kids, it’s not just for the people that just play baseball, it’s for everyone.”

More than 2,000 athletes from 13 southern Alberta regions are expected to compete during the four-day event.

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READ: Registration is set to open for 2026 Southern Alberta Summer Games in County of Forty Mile

by Jett Schwaier

Southern Alberta Summer Games registration opens after delay tied to new system

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