Toonies

By Regan Tate

Toonies 4 the Games

Apr 30, 2023 | 10:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB–Students across southeast Alberta will be getting into the spirit of the 2026 Special Olympics.

They will be participating Toonies 4 the Games, an annual fundraiser for the massive national event.

Students in three school districts are asked to bring a toonie to support the games and build awareness.

Last year the initiative raised approximately $6,000. The Medicine Hat Public School District, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, Prairie Rose School Division, and CAPE School are all committed to Toonies 4 the Games, which takes place on the first Thursday in May each year through 2026.

“The Toonies 4 the Games fundraiser is designed to give school children a preview, understanding and, hopefully, some ownership of the Special Olympic Games when it comes to Medicine Hat in 2026,” says Barry Finkelman, Co-Director of Promotions & Marketing for the 2026 Games.

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The Games themselves take place August 11-15, 2026, with more than 1,200 athletes in attendance plus officials, families and friends.

The Summer Games includes 10 sports: athletics, tenpin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, and swimming.

The estimated budget for the Games is $2.6 million, with $100,000 coming from donations such as Toonies 4 the Games. –