Athlete ambassadors shine for Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

MEDICINE HAT – Six athlete ambassadors are encouraging Canadians to shine this summer at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

Karris George, Gaven Harker, Brydon Marchand, Linda McDonald, Chuck McDonald, and Tyler Scott are Special Olympics athletes chosen to help promote the Aug. 11-15 Games in their hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The slogan of the Games is “We shine together.”

“It makes me feel valued,” says Linda, who competed at the 2006 national games. “It’s exciting. I’m proud.”

While the ambassadors have an official role helping promote the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, everyone involved plays a part in putting the spotlight on Special Olympics. From the estimated 1,700 participants to the 1,500 volunteers, thousands of spectators, friends, and family, every voice contributes to the movement bringing sport to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“You'll have an amazing time seeing how much the athletes put out,” says Linda. “You get a whole different perspective of how we go out to (participating) than other athletes.”

“I’m excited to be meeting new people, show people around,” adds Karris, who played bocce at the provincial level last year.

The athlete ambassadors were selected in February 2026 and have been busy in their roles. They helped pick the slogan, worked a trade show booth, and decided on some of the items athletes from 12 chapters will receive when they arrive in August.

“We didn’t want to make any decisions about what the athletes are doing and what participants are coming to do without input from the athletes,” says Games manager Kara Brake.

Look for the ambassadors on social media, at events in and around Medicine Hat, and more in the leadup to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. They’re looking forward to seeing everyone else, too.

“Just to see the enjoyment on people’s faces,” says Gaven.

More information is available on the 2026 Games’ website, www.socmedhat2026.ca.

Learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games by following @socsummergames on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.