Sport Tourism Canada and the Sport Events Congress (SEC) play a pivotal role in connecting communities with national sport organizations, opening doors to transformative opportunities in sport tourism. In 2018, the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council (MHSEC) sent an employee to SEC, where she participated in the Sport Events Exchange—a unique networking platform that fosters collaboration and dialogue between event rights holders and potential host cities.
It was there that she met a representative from Special Olympics Canada. Until that point, neither organization had been aware of the other’s work, but that single connection sparked a chain of events that would have a lasting impact on Medicine Hat. Following the exchange, MHSEC, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society, decided to bid on hosting the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2022. That bid was successful and Medicine Hat was awarded the Games in 2019.
Although the 2022 Games were unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration and commitment between Special Olympics Canada and the local Host Organizing Committee remained strong. As a result, the Games were re-awarded to Medicine Hat for 2026. Planning is now well underway, and our community is thrilled to prepare for the arrival of 1,700 athletes, coaches, and delegates from across Canada.
This will be the largest national sporting event in Medicine Hat’s history. None of this would have been possible without the critical role Sport Tourism Canada and SEC played in facilitating that initial connection. Their efforts continue to inspire and empower communities like ours to dream big and welcome the nation through sport.
Kara Brake – Tourism Medicine Hat/Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council, AB