EDMONTON, AB, August 25, 2020- Special Olympics Alberta is cancelling the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games 2021 originally scheduled to take place from July 9 – 11, 2021 in Strathcona County.

While the Summer Games have been cancelled, Special Olympics Alberta is excited to announce the extension of our partnership with Strathcona County. Their hosting duties will be extended and they will now be hosting the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games being held in February of 2023.

COVID-19 has had tremendous social and financial impact on our province. Our communities focus right now needs to be on recovery and regaining stability. Even though the Provincial Games are a positive force in this rebuild, we acknowledge that as strong community partners we have a responsibility to mitigate any further financial and public health strains within our province.

Our focus for the foreseeable future will be on working with our affiliates to support them to safety restart our grassroots programs that service to over 3,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province.

“We believe this is the best decision for our athletes and for our host community,” says Johnny Byrne, Special Olympics Alberta CEO. “Strathcona County has been a tremendous partner and we are thrilled to have their unwavering support as we begin our planning for the next Provincial Games.”

We are looking forward to the opportunity to build on the momentum we have created with Strathcona County thus far. The extra time we have to work, plan and access resources with the community and its members will help us to responsibly deliver an unforgettable event in 2023. Strathcona County has a strong history of hosting provincial, national and international events.

The Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games promise to be a dynamic event held in the County’s world-class facilities like the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. The Games will highlight athletes of all abilities, inspire the community and promote the values of inclusion, accessibility and fairness in Strathcona County.

Strathcona County has built a strong relationship with Special Olympics Alberta and is pleased to remain a host location for the future Games. 

“It has been a wonderful experience working with their team so the decision to stay in Strathcona County for 2023 was an easy one. Although we are disappointed to have to cancel our 2021 Provincial Games, we look forward to showcasing the County in 2023 and providing our athletes families, and the local community with a memorable Games experience,” says Byrne.

Special Olympics Alberta

Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,300 athletes from 140 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 950 volunteers and coaches.

For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/alberta and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.

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Media Contact 

Kiefer Scott Sutherland 
Marketing and Communications Manager 
Phone: 1-800-444-2883 Ext. 1009 
ksutherland@specialolympics.ab.ca