Special Olympics Canada Summer Games adjusting transportation plans due to WestJet strike

Aug. 2, 2026

MEDICINE HAT – WestJet’s labour dispute is impacting the thousands of athletes, officials, friends and family coming to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026, but Games managers and Special Olympics Canada are working hard to ensure the national event runs as planned.

“We are aware of the situation and working with provincial and territorial Chapters, vendors, and Special Olympics Canada to ensure athletes arrive and are able to participate in the Games,” says Games chair Natalie Sauer.

“Everything is status quo to start the Games as planned.”

As of Sunday, Aug. 2, more than 650 athletes and staff initially booked on WestJet flights need to find alternate transportation should the flight attendant strike continue. For some, that will mean taking buses to the southeast Alberta city. For others, switching airlines may be an option. More than 1,500 participants plus 3,500-plus spectators are expected to be in Medicine Hat for the Aug. 11-15 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

“Special Olympics Canada and the Games organizing committee are committed to supporting athletes and officials from across the country as they prepare to take part in the National Games in Medicine Hat,” says Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada. “Our teams have been working closely together, along with our Chapters, to look at alternative flight and travel options and contingency plans to ensure everyone is able to participate in the Games.”

Staff will begin to arrive in Medicine Hat this week, with athletes scheduled to arrive Sunday, Aug. 9. The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games run from Aug. 11-15, with athletes departing Aug. 16.

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

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