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(Image Credit: Courtesy/Kaylee Hurt)
Registration available May 13

2026 Southern Alberta Summer Games returning to County of Forty Mile

May 12, 2026 | 3:59 PM

The Southern Alberta Summer Games will return to the County of Forty Mile in 2026 for the first time since 1996, bringing thousands of athletes from across the region, including the Medicine Hat area, to compete in the long-running multi-sport event.

The event, first held in 1970 in Pincher Creek, is the longest-running annual summer games in Alberta, bringing together athletes of all ages and skill levels from across southern Alberta.

More than 2,000 athletes from 13 regions, including Medicine Hat, Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile and the County of Newell, will represent the region and will compete during the Games scheduled for July 8 to 11, 2026.

Organizers expect about 22 sporting and cultural events during the Games, including road races, 3-on-3 basketball, badminton, baseball, beach volleyball, golf, soccer, swimming and track and field competitions.

Other activities scheduled include clout archery, ball hockey, barrel racing, boccia, cornhole, cribbage, darts, e-sports, frisbee golf, photography and shooting events.

Team Medicine Hat regional director and coordinator Peyton Stenhouse said the Games offer opportunities for athletes of varying ages and experience levels to get involved in sport and their communities.

“It’s such a really cool opportunity to see so many different age levels and skill levels from our athletes this year,” Stenhouse said.

Stenhouse said competitors are expected to range from youth athletes to older adults, creating a unique atmosphere across the regional competition.

“You don’t see a lot of events where there are literally a huge variety in age groups and skill levels in all different sports in a regional competition,” Stenhouse said.

“It gives people that chance to not just show their talent, but try something new and get more involved with their region and just the Southern Alberta community.”

Stenhouse, who has previously represented Medicine Hat in ambassador roles, said she hopes the Games strengthen connections across the region.

“I’m just really excited to be that person, to be like a shining light towards this fun event that people can come to,” Stenhouse said.

“It’s not just about doing the sport that they’re excelling at. It’s about being a beginner and just trying something and getting involved.”

Registration for athletes opens May 13 and closes June 11, with competitions and activities taking place throughout the Town of Bow Island, Village of Foremost, Forty Mile Park and the Hamlet of Burdett, while soccer events will be hosted in the Town of Raymond.

The Southern Alberta Summer Games have expanded significantly since their founding more than 55 years ago and now include competitors ranging in age from six to 90 years old.