Meet Mitchell MacDonald: the Medicine Hat athlete inspiring others through sport

PHOTO: Mitchell McDonald practices before divisioning at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. The local athlete brings both skill and personality to the lanes with his distinct bowling ball!

The best part of the Special Olympics for Mitchell MacDonald isn’t winning medals. It’s the people.

Over the years, the Medicine Hat athlete has built friendships, encouraged other to get involved in sport and discovered a community that extends far beyond the bowling lanes. Now, with family, friends and his hometown cheering him on, MacDonald is preparing to represent both Medicine Hat and Team Alberta in 10-pin bowling at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

For Mitchell, however, the Games are about more than competition.

As athletes from across the country arrive in Medicine Hat, the local bowler is looking forward to reuniting with friends he first met while representing Team Canada at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.

"It means a lot," Mitchell said of representing Medicine Hat.

Several of the athletes he competed alongside years ago will once again share the lanes and the experience of a major Games.

For Mitchell, the event feels less like a competition and more like a reunion.

Special Olympics has been a significant part of his life, introducing him to new people, new experiences and lifelong friendships.

"It’s great because I get to meet a lot of new people and interact with them," he said.

Bowling was Mitchell's first Special Olympics sport and remains his favourite. Having competed in the sport for years, he has represented Alberta on the provincial, national and international stages. His involvement eventually expanded over the years to include floorball, and bocce. Along the way, he has become an enthusiastic ambassador for sport, encouraging others to get involved whenever he can.

PHOTO: Mitchell MacDonald bowls alongside fellow Team Alberta athletes during a practice session at Panorama Lanes.

When asked what he enjoys most about being an athlete, his answer had little to do with scores or medals.

"Showing people new sports," he said.

That passion for helping others get involved hasn't gone unnoticed.

Coach Pat, who has known Mitchell for years both on and off the lanes, said one of his greatest strengths is the positivity he brings to teammates and fellow athletes.

Even when things don't go perfectly, Mitchell focuses on the good.

"He offers lots of encouragement," Pat says. "He helps people relax and enjoy themselves, even when things don't go the way they planned. If someone has a bad game, he’ll help them laugh it off and focus on the next one."

Pat has also watched Mitchell grow in confidence and maturity over the years, both as an athlete and as a teammate.

Outside of sport, Mitchell participates in programs with the Venturers Society, where he enjoys woodworking and helping with community projects. Pat describes him as meticulous, hardworking and someone who is always willing to encourage others.

As the Games begin, Mitchell is looking forward to more than just competition.

Success, he says, means supporting his teammates, developing confidence and sharing high-fives along the way.

As Medicine Hat welcomes athletes from all over the country to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, Mitchell hopes the community will come out, cheer loudly and experience that same spirit for themselves.

Want to support Mitchell and fellow Special Olympics athletes? Follow the action throughout the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games via our website: socmedhat2026.ca