EDMONTON, AB, July 11, 2017- The Special Olympics Flame of Hope was snuffed out at the 2017 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games in the Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre, but shortly after two communities eagerly awaited the challenge and privilege of taking on a Special Olympics Alberta Games. Johnny Byrne, Special Olympics Alberta president and CEO proudly announced the two host communities of Calgary and Strathcona County to take on the legacy of hosting the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games and 2021 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.

“Calgary and Strathcona know our Special Olympics Alberta Games will highlight their community and activate its citizens to take part and spread the movement of showcasing the amazing abilities of Special Olympics athletes. We’re proud to have them be part of our games history,” says Johnny Byrne, Special Olympics Alberta president and CEO.

The two host cities shared the same excitement to be awarded the host of the upcoming games.

Calgary has a long and rich history of hosting Special Olympics events.  It spans from the 1982 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games, taking the next step by hosting the Special Olympics Canadian Winter Games in 1986 and now continuing that legacy with the upcoming 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games. 

“Bringing the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games to Calgary will be embraced by the whole city,” says Karen Saunders, Games Organizing Committee co-chair. 
“Our city has deep ties with Special Olympics and hosting the 2019 Winter Games will give our city the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of athletes across the province.”

First time Special Olympics games host, Strathcona County, is ready to make a strong impression on the athletes. This will be the first Special Olympics event that Strathcona County will be hosting. The community is no stranger to hosting sporting events like the 1987 Alberta Summer Games, 2000 Alberta Winter Games, 2007 Western Canada Summer Games, and the 2014 Canada 55+ Games.

“Strathcona County is proud to be chosen as the host of the 2021 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games,” says Mayor Roxanne Carr.
“We look forward to welcoming 1,300 participants and their families from across the province to our community and creating a memorable shared experience for all.”

The two communities have a strong drive and passion for hosting sport events and supporting Special Olympics within in their community. 

Special Olympics Alberta is proud to announce Calgary as the host of the 2019 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games and Strathcona County as the host of the 2021 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.