B.C. athletes set to shine at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta
From August 11 to 15, 2026, one of Special Olympics BC’s biggest provincial teams ever will pursue personal bests at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Comprised of more than 243 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 75 volunteer coaches, and 22 mission staff from more than 42 communities across British Columbia, Special Olympics Team BC is set to shine on the national stage and showcase their abilities.
They will be competing in 10 sports in Medicine Hat, Alberta: 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming (aquatics), and track and field (athletics).
Since qualifying for their spots on Special Olympics Team BC 2026 through their performances at the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George, the provincial team athletes, coaches, and mission staff have been hard at work to be at their best at National Games. Training has included sport-specific work in their local Special Olympics programs, participating in Club Fit, additional fitness and dryland training, working with sport-specific experts, and focusing on diet and nutrition.
In Medicine Hat, athletes will be competing for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.
Special Olympics Team BC members will be ready to achieve personal bests and inspire everyone with their abilities, sportsmanship, and determination.
“Our athletes have worked tremendously hard to earn their places on Special Olympics Team BC 2026, and I could not be more proud of how far they have come. Their commitment to training, their willingness to challenge themselves, and the support they show one another embody the very best of Special Olympics,” said Michelle Cruickshank, Special Olympics Team BC 2026 Chef de Mission.
“I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our coaches, hometown training coaches, mission staff, families, and supporters. Their unwavering commitment makes these opportunities possible and plays a vital role in every athlete's success."
The Special Olympics Games cycle operates on a four-year cycle for both summer and winter sports. Athletes compete in regional events and then Provincial Games to advance to National Games, and Special Olympics Canada Games are the qualifiers for international Special Olympics competition.
Through these competitions and training, Special Olympics athletes build confidence, further develop their skills, and make new friends.
“Being part of Special Olympics Team BC is very important to me. It shows me that all my hard work in the gym and practicing three times a week, year-round, has worked,” said Special Olympics BC – Kelowna powerlifting athlete Kassidy Rutledge.
“It also means that I will get to be part of a team at National Games, all working toward the same goal: to do our best and enjoy the experience. Special Olympics is not just about sports, it is also about community and friendship.”
Being part of Special Olympics Team BC provides athletes with opportunities to build confidence, further develop their skills, and make new friends. Fans and supporters can help athletes get to the starting line by making a donation towards transportation and equipment costs. With your help, each gift removes barriers and makes Special Olympics Team BC unstoppable.
The 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will see more than 1,700 athletes and coaches from across gather in Medicine Hat, creating inspiring experiences of competition and friendship in ten sports.
Special Olympics Team BC 2026 fast facts
243 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities
75 volunteer coaches
22 mission staff
More than 42 B.C. communities represented
10 sports: 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming (aquatics), and track and field (athletics).
About Special Olympics BC
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power and joy of sport. In 55 communities around the province, we provide year-round training and competitive opportunities in 18 different sports to thousands of athletes of all ages and abilities, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers. To learn more, please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca.
Contact
For more information and to be connected to a member of Special Olympics Team BC, please contact Special Olympics Team BC 2026 Mission Staff Cassie MacDonell at cmacdonell@specialolympics.bc.ca