Medicine Hat businesses help showcase community spirit ahead of Special Olympics Games

Fleming said the support from the business community extends beyond welcoming visitors through their doors, with many business owners and employees also giving their time to help the Games run smoothly.

“Those who will be volunteering their time to be able to make sure that the event can go on,” Fleming said.

“Individuals who will be volunteering their time from registration to parking to anything that the Special Olympics will require to make sure that people get to their locations and their destinations.”

Fleming said the countless hours volunteers contribute behind the scenes are what allow major events like the Summer Games to happen.

“Any great event that goes on is the hours that are spent putting on an event,” Fleming said.

“It’s the hours, upon hours, upon hours, upon hours of volunteer time, and those that are actually planning an event to put it together, make an event go on without a hitch.”

For Fleming, the importance of the Games goes beyond the week of competition.

He said the way visitors experience Medicine Hat, whether through businesses, attractions or simple interactions with residents, can leave a lasting impression.

“I think it is absolutely great. But [it’s] better when they come again,” Fleming said.

Fleming said the community should look at the Games as an opportunity to share the things residents love about Medicine Hat and encourage visitors to return.

“What are we doing to not only have them and support them here for the event, but how do we invite them back and make sure that they want to be here in our community again?” Fleming said.

He encouraged residents to think about the places and experiences they enjoy most and share those with visitors.

“I would encourage everybody to look at what are the five things that we love about this area, and share that when we’re asked, hey, what do you do here in Medicine Hat that you like?” Fleming said.

Fleming said the Games are a reflection of the community spirit that exists throughout Medicine Hat, with businesses, organizations and residents all playing a role.

“It’s great to see our community and our business community all get together behind that,” Fleming said.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat businesses help showcase community spirit ahead of Special Olympics Games

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