Dozens of Athletes Bused in From Kelowna After Grounded by Wildfires
More than 244 athletes from 42 communities will compete for personal bests and spots on Canada’s 2027 World Summer Games team.
- On Tuesday, more than 244 Special Olympics BC athletes arrived in Medicine Hat, Alberta, for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, which run through Saturday, August 15.
- Representing Team Nanaimo, Surrey, and Delta, the provincial contingent includes 75 volunteer coaches and 22 mission staff supporting 10 sports, with participants competing for personal bests and spots at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.
- Nanaimo athletics head coach Angela Behn noted the team includes 12 athletes competing in track, 10-pin bowling, softball, and swimming, while bocce head coach Arjan Basra confirmed the group arrived safely Monday and is preparing for individual play starting Wednesday.
- Chef de Mission Michelle Cruickshank praised the athletes' hard work and commitment, noting their preparation embodies the spirit of the Games, while coaches emphasize fostering positive experiences and personal growth over winning medals.
- Basra described the event as rewarding, stating, "I think the biggest reward is the athletes' joy, and seeing the joy on their faces," as competitions continue through Saturday with participants aiming for personal bests.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Summer Games hit ground running, opening ceremony tonight
The 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games are officially in full swing today, and Hatters are greatly encouraged to make their way down to support the athletes.
Dozens of athletes bused in from Kelowna after grounded by wildfires
When the ongoing wildfires resulted in cancellation of 40 Special Olympics athletes’ flights, Team BC sprang into action to ensure everyone would be accounted for at this week’s Games.
Governor General Praises Spirit Of Special Olympics Summer Games - Bridge City News - August 11, 2026
The celebration has begun in southeast Alberta. The 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat have officially kicked off, bringing together athletes from every province in a gathering celebrating unity and inclusion. Over 1,700 participants and 1,500 volunteers have gathered for the games that run from August 11-15. The Governor General of Canada, Louise Arbour, says the games carry a spirit of solidarity, ambition and resilienc…
Several Local Athletes to Compete at the Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Several athletes with connections to Antigonish will be competing at the Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta this week. Ryan Kearney is part of the Team Nova Scotia Golf team; he’ll be joined by his brother Mitchell who will act as his caddie. Ryan won gold in Golf when Antigonish hosted the national games in 2018. Medals from the 2018 Special Olympics National Summer Games, hosted in Antigonish. Lisa Leuschn…
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