WELCOME
Welcome to the official site for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026. We’re proud to host athletes, coaches, families, and fans from across the country for a celebration of sport, inclusion, and community spirit. Set against the natural beauty and warm hospitality of Medicine Hat, these Games will showcase the incredible talents and inspiring stories of athletes with an intellectual or developmental disability. Together, we’ll create unforgettable moments of competition, connection, and pride as Canada comes together for this extraordinary event.
SLOGAN
We Shine Together
OUR MISSION
To shape an impactful Games that honour the voices of Special Olympics athletes, while celebrating community collaboration, and expanding awareness that inclusion matters.
OUR VISION
To create an inclusive and memorable experience for all participants, while igniting our community spirit, and leaving a lifelong legacy for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The logo for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 captures the spirit, landscape, and community of the host city.
The sun and moon represent Medicine Hat’s “Sunshine State of Mind,” celebrating the city’s bright and welcoming atmosphere. The circle, wave, and crossover lines symbolize a figure in motion, reflecting the energy, determination, and movement of Special Olympics athletes.
Three stars signify achievement and celebration - 3 of them representing gold, silver, and bronze medals. The flowing coulee lines illustrate the city’s distinctive landscape, while the South Saskatchewan River symbolizes connection and vitality.
The two crossed lines form a teepee, honouring the Indigenous heritage and cultural significance of the region. Surrounding these elements, the pathway or roadway and band around the teepee represent connection, unity, and the shared journey of athletes, volunteers, and supporters coming together for the Games.
Together, these elements create a dynamic and meaningful emblem — one that reflects inclusivity, motion, and celebration in the heart of Medicine Hat.
OUR BRAND
ATHLETE AMBASSADORS
Karris George
Karris has participated in Special Olympics for more than six years, competing in swimming and basketball. One of her proudest moments was carrying the Medicine Hat flag during the Opening Ceremonies at the Provincial Games in Grande Prairie. She works at Northlands CO-OP and enjoys staying active through sports, reading, watching hockey, and spending time with friends.
Gavin Harker
Karris has participated in Special Olympics for more than six years, competing in swimming and basketball. One of her proudest moments was carrying the Medicine Hat flag during the Opening Ceremonies at the Provincial Games in Grande Prairie. She works at Northlands CO-OP and enjoys staying active through sports, reading, watching hockey, and spending time with friends.
Brydon Marchand
Brydon has been involved with Special Olympics since childhood and competes in 5-pin bowling, bocce, and basketball. He has attended multiple Provincial and National Games, including Prince Edward Island in 2018. Known for his puppet, Eddy Franklin, Brydon enjoys sharing his Special Olympics experiences with others and is passionate about community engagement and athlete advocacy.
Chuck McDonald
Chuck has been involved with Special Olympics since 1993 and competes in powerlifting, tenpin bowling, softball, bocce, floor ball, and curling. He has attended Games across Canada and enjoys meeting athletes from different provinces and making lifelong friendships. Chuck works in Elkwater for the Venturers Society and enjoys spending time with his wife, attending Tigers games, and watching sports.
Linda McDonald
Linda has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 27 years and competes in curling, softball, and figure skating. A veteran of both Provincial and National Games, she values meeting new people, improving her skills, and travelling to competitions. Linda works at Northlands CO-OP and enjoys colouring, swimming, attending Tigers and Mavericks games, and spending time with her husband and great nieces.
Tyler Scott
Tyler has been a Special Olympics athlete for more than 25 years, competing in golf and bowling. He has represented his community at both Provincial and National Games and loves meeting new people and making friends through sport. Tyler works delivering newspapers and flyers and is a devoted Medicine Hat Tigers fan who rarely misses an opportunity to cheer on his favourite team.
MEET THE TEAM
Board of Directors
Brian Varga
Honourary Chair
Elisha Ammann
Director of Accommodations
Natalie Sauer
Director of Administration
Sean Rooney
Director of Communications
Michael Anctil
Director of Facilities
Keith Edwards
Director of Finance
Darlene Keeler
Director of Food Services
Jerri Gainer
Director of Friends of the Games
Malcolm Sissons
Director of Language Services
Director of Marketing & Promotions
Barry Finkelman
Mike Christie
Director of Protocol
Rob Grisonich
Director of Registration
Camille Darr
Director of Medical & Safety
Cassidy McKelvey
Director of Sport
Glenn Brunet
Director of Sport
Fred Weinheimer
Director of Transportation
Darla Grasley
Director of Volunteers
Jen Dickson
Special Olympics Medicine Hat Liaison
Nick Wepruk
Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council Liaison
Scott Richter
City Liaison
Staff
Kara Brake
Games Manager
kara.brake@socmedhat2026.ca
Communications and Experience Coordinator
Jenna Chaykowski
jenna.chaykowski@socmedhat2026.ca
Hailey Gray
Games Coordinator
hailey.gray@socmedhat2026.ca
Misty Zanger
Games Coordinator
misty.zanger@socmedhat2026.ca
Eboney Nunweiler
Games Assistant
eboney.nunweiler@socmedhat2026.ca
Natalie Sauer
Games Chair
Alexander Rahal
Games Assistant
alexander.rahal@socmedhat2026.ca