Meet the Medicine Hat athletes representing Alberta at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

“I’m pretty excited to meet other people from across Canada’s other provinces because I haven’t been really outside of Alberta,” Zimmerman said.

In preparation for the Games, Zimmerman has focused on regular practice, healthy eating and getting enough sleep.

He also credited the support of family and friends for helping him reach the national stage.

Jessica McCombe: McCombe will compete in bocce and says representing Alberta in her hometown makes her proud.

McCombe is looking forward to having family and friends cheering her on while also meeting new athletes from across the country.

“I’ll be supporting everyone, including myself, doing the Games,” McCombe said, adding she hopes to encourage every competitor, whether they’re teammates or opponents.

Ashley Truant: Truant enters the Games as a provincial gold medallist in bocce after winning at the Special Olympics Alberta Provincial Summer Games in Grande Prairie.

Truant said competing in Medicine Hat is an emotional experience that fills her with pride, and she’s grateful to the coaches, staff and supporters who helped her earn a spot at nationals.

Asked what she’s most looking forward to, Truant didn’t hesitate.

“Winning a gold medal again,” Truant said.

Mike Baumgardt: Baumgardt will also represent Alberta in bocce and said he’s feeling confident heading into the national competition.

While he admitted he’s a little nervous about meeting athletes from across Canada, he’s excited for the overall experience and thankful for the coaches and volunteers who helped prepare him for the Games.

Baumgardt said competing in front of family and friends in Medicine Hat makes the opportunity even more special.

Mitchell MacDonald: MacDonald will compete in 10-pin bowling and brings international experience after previously representing Team Canada in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

MacDonald said wearing the Alberta jersey in his hometown means a great deal, and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with athletes he’s met over the years while making new friends from across Canada.

He also hopes his experience encourages others to become involved in Special Olympics.

“I would like to say to other people, like new athletes, to join and try it out. Come have fun,” MacDonald said.

Corbin Mayer (Torch Runner): Rather than competing, Mayer will represent Medicine Hat as one of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope torch runners.

Beginning Aug. 7, he’ll carry the torch through communities across Alberta before bringing it into the opening ceremonies at Co-op Place on Aug. 11.

“It’s my first time, so I’m kind of nervous, but also excited at the same time,” Mayer said.

Mayer said he’s looking forward to meeting new people throughout the province and representing his hometown before the Games officially begin.

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games are expected to bring more than 1,700 athletes from across the country to Medicine Hat, where they’ll compete in 10 sports while thousands of coaches, volunteers and spectators descend on the city.

For Medicine Hat’s hometown representatives, the Games offer a rare opportunity to compete on the national stage without leaving home.

With less than a month until the Games begin, organizers are continuing to seek volunteers for the Games.

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READ: Special Olympics Canada Summer Games organizers making critical push for volunteers in Medicine Hat

by Jett Schwaier

Meet the Medicine Hat athletes representing Alberta at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

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