Home team feeling celebratory

PHOTO: Ashley Truant (left), Jessica McCombe, Mike Baumgardt, Nigel Zimmerman, and Kaylee Reetz

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 feature a handful of local participants, including on Team Alberta’s bocce team.

Mike Baumgardt, Jessica McCombe, Ashley Truant, and Nigel Zimmerman are competing at the national Games this year, which are taking place in their hometown until Saturday, Aug. 15. Admission is free to the public to cheer them on at Big Marble Go Centre.

Coach Kaylee Reetz is also from the host city, helping to lead Team Alberta’s 12-athlete bocce contingent.

“They’ve put a lot of work into competing as the home team – Team Alberta – and being from Medicine Hat,” said Reetz. “For the time to finally be here, to be able to compete at home and have friends and family come see – it’s a pretty big experience for them.”

After divisioning on Tuesday, athletes will know their path forward through the competition, concluding in medal matches spread across Friday and Saturday.

The crew from Medicine Hat has additional cause for celebration: be sure to wish Ashley and Mike a happy birthday when you see them compete this week.

The bocce competition runs Tuesday through Saturday. The schedule for all competitions and livestream links can be found online: socmedhat2026.ca