Gord MacIntyre, a soccer player from Edmonton, aims to secure a national championship at the ongoing Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta. However, his ambitions go beyond just winning, as he looks forward to engaging in fair play and intense competition. As a member of Team Alberta, MacIntyre plays as a left forward and is eager to contribute to his team’s success.
The games, which bring together athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have been in the works for eight years and have drawn around 1,700 athletes from various regions. The city of Medicine Hat is not only excited to host the event but also aims to showcase its hospitality to all participants and visitors.
Nearly 1,700 athletes are participating in ten different sports during the week-long event, including bocce, bowling, powerlifting, athletics, basketball, gymnastics, and softball. The opening ceremonies at the city’s 6,000-seat hockey arena featured enthusiastic crowds waving provincial flags and cheering on the athletes.
Governor General Louise Arbour, after witnessing the event’s first day, expressed admiration for the high level of activity, volunteerism, and sportsmanship on display, describing it as an “amazing phenomenon.” Nicola Lambrechts, chair of Special Olympics British Columbia, commended the athletes for their outstanding performances, representing their provinces with pride and joy.
The event has brought together a large number of volunteers in Medicine Hat, with approximately 1,500 locals offering their assistance to welcome athletes, family members, and coaches. The city, with a population of 69,000, has fully accommodated the influx of guests in its 13 hotels and is embracing the national event with open arms.
Medicine Hat takes pride in its hosting capabilities, boasting modern facilities and a strong volunteer culture. Despite facing challenges due to the pandemic, the city successfully renewed its bid to host the games, showcasing its commitment to supporting multi-sport events. The event’s budget of $3.6 million is sourced from government grants and community fundraising efforts, ensuring that all participants are well taken care of throughout the games.