Sponsors and community support bolster Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026

MEDICINE HAT – The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 celebrated a major milestone Monday, recognizing sponsors and community partners whose support has helped secure more than $2.15 million in funding for the national event.

A group of organizations whose combined contributions exceed $750,000 was celebrated with a special event at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre. Momentum continues to build, with 50 days until the Aug. 11-15 event. The Games’ overall budget is $3.85 million.

“The support we've received from sponsors, partners, donors, and the broader community has been extraordinary,” said Games Chair Natalie Sauer. “Together, they have helped ensure we can deliver an exceptional national Games experience for athletes from across Canada. Every contribution has helped create opportunities for athletes to compete, connect, and achieve their personal best while building a legacy that will continue to benefit our community long after the Games conclude."

The host society acknowledged Medicine Hat College, Medicine Hat Public School Division, Empire, Pattison Media, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, EnerStar Solutions, and Big Marble Farms. Major sponsors previously recognized include the Government of Canada, the Province of Alberta, the City of Medicine Hat, the Calgary Flames Foundation, Cypress County, the Medicine Hat Accommodation Association, and the Yuill Family Foundation.

Medicine Hat College is providing extensive access to campus facilities, including residences, classrooms, dining services, and other amenities that will serve as a home base for athletes, coaches, and mission staff throughout the Games.

“We’ll be welcoming athletes and teams from across Canada to our campus during the Games,” said Kevin Shufflebotham, President of MHC. “It’s a small part of a much bigger effort, but one we’re really looking forward to. From residences to dining spaces, we want it to feel welcoming, comfortable, and reflective of the kind of community people experience when they come to Medicine Hat.”

Medicine Hat Public School Division facilities will host basketball, athletics, and Games-related activities, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in delivering a national sporting event.

Safeway’s financial support and in-kind contributions will help feed thousands of participants throughout Games week.

“We are so proud of our long-standing national partnership with Special Olympics Canada, and Safeway’s sponsorship of these national summer games in Medicine Hat.” Said Renée Hopfner, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Empire Company Limited. “We are honoured to support an event that brings to life the values of inclusion and perseverance. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for the competing athletes, coaches, support teams, volunteers and Medicine Hat community.”

Pattison Media is going above and beyond to promote the Games through extensive coverage and advertising initiatives.

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta contributed through endowment and grant programs to enhance the athlete experience and strengthen the Games' impact throughout the region.

EnerStar Solutions is providing Starlink internet services across key venues, helping ensure reliable connectivity and communications infrastructure for athletes, officials, volunteers, and organizers.

Big Marble Farms is supporting athlete meal programs through both financial contributions and healthy food donations.

The momentum behind the Games extends beyond financial support. More than 1,000 volunteers have already registered to help deliver the event; a rally June 20 celebrated the growing team that will welcome Canada to Medicine Hat this August. Recruitment remains ongoing as the preparations continue for the largest multi-sport event ever hosted in the city.

While resources required to host the Games have been secured, fundraising efforts continue through initiatives such as the Games 50/50 Raffle. Funds raised beyond the operating requirements of the Games will support a legacy fund benefiting future sporting events and community sport initiatives in Medicine Hat.

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games are the highest level of national competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Canada. Participants from 12 chapters will compete in 10 sports, with many advancing to the Special Olympics World Games 2027 in Santiago, Chile.

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