Every four years, Special Olympics Canada hosts the National Summer Games, bringing together athletes from across the country to compete in 10 official sports. In 2026, Special Olympics Alberta is not only proud to send a team of exceptional athletes to the national stage but also honoured to host the Games locally in Medicine Hat.
Special Olympics Team Alberta 2026 is composed of 111 dedicated and accomplished athletes, supported by 38 committed coaches and 11 enthusiastic staff members. Each member of the team is excited to represent Alberta at the national level and demonstrate to Canadians what people with intellectual disabilities can achieve.
Being named to Special Olympics Team Alberta is a significant honour, one that every athlete earned through hard work and determination. All athletes qualified for Team Alberta by winning gold at the 2025 Special Olympics Alberta Provincial Summer Games in Grande Prairie. Team members shared their excitement about both earning their place on the team and the opportunity to compete at the national level in 2026.
Of the 111 athletes selected to the team, 45 will be attending their first-ever National Summer Games. Charlotte, a first-time Team Alberta soccer athlete, described her reaction upon learning she had made the team: “I felt honoured that I was chosen. I was excited to have this cool opportunity and knew I’d have to work hard.”
While the athletes are the heart of Team Alberta, the team would not be possible without the dedication of its coaches. The coaching roster includes both experienced coaches who have attended multiple National Games and Next Gen coaches who will be participating for the first time. All Team Alberta coaches are eager to support their athletes, help them prepare, and watch their commitment and training come to fruition at the Games.
Hosting the 2026 National Summer Games in Medicine Hat is a tremendous honour for Alberta. Athletes with intellectual disabilities from across Canada will travel to the city to showcase their abilities and celebrate sport. Ashley Truant, a local Medicine Hat athlete, shared that what she is most looking forward to is “getting to host in my hometown.”
Special Olympics Alberta could not be prouder of the outstanding athletes who will represent the province as part of Team Alberta 2026 at the Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games. Go Team Alberta!
By Naomi Eykelbosh