Visitors praised city, local facilities used throughout Summer Games
Visitors praised city, local facilities used throughout Summer Games
Visitors praised city, local facilities used throughout Summer Games
Despite a couple hiccups and some heavy rainfall, the city says it has received “significantly” positive comments toward the city and host facilities from athletes, visitors and organizers of the 2026 Special Olympic Canada Summer Games.
A final report of the impact of the Summer Games will be presented to council at the end of October or November from members of the Games Society, however Medicine Hat has received high praise for holding the event that welcomed more than 1,700 athletes and coaches, and well and hundreds more family members and friends to southeast Alberta.
“Special Olympics Canada in terms of the staff, the different provinces that attended as well as friends and family that attended as well (said) they were impressed with the quality and the amenities that we had presented for the Special Olympics,” said Scott Richter, acting director of parks and recreation. “Both from a condition point of view, the accessibility point of view and they all commented on how friendly everybody was and welcoming and accommodating.”
Richter told members of the public services committee on Monday that there were no major issues reported during the Games except for a couple minor “hiccups,” despite the complex logistics and planning by staff and more than 1,500 volunteers.
“Considering the things that could have gone wrong in terms of the high complexity related to transportation, food, safety, accessibility and quality, there were no major issues, so that is very positive for Medicine Hat,” said Richter.
He also told committee members the city left a good impression on the visiting Governor General Louise Arbour.
“I had an opportunity to speak with both the Lieutenant Governor (Salma Lakhani) and her honour the Governor General as they attended two and three days respectively and they were just astounded with the quality of the facilities and the hospitality Medicine Hat had,” said Richter.
The Big Marble Go Centre, one of six host facilities for the Games, was also highlighted during the committee meeting as a significant asset in the city.
“We have this great facility, even though it’s 25 years old, it still seems brand new to me,” said Coun. Chris Hellman. “We have this facility that services 65,000 people and to put that into perspective, you look at Lethbridge and that a similar facility services under 110,000 to 120,000 people and in Calgary a similar facility services 250,000 to 300,000 people.”
“It was a tremendous, tremendous event to have in our city and I hope the next big event, the Grand Slam of Curling, can be as revered as the Special Olympics were,” said Coun. Dan Reynish.
The councillors’ comments on recreation facilities come before council will review the city’s future parks and recreation strategy next month that is proposing development of a destination-style outdoor aquatics facility on the south end that could impact the city budget significantly.
According to city administration and the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, the estimated economic impact of the Games is thought to be about $12 million, including competitor accommodations, combined spending by spectators, family members, supporters and local investments in infrastructure and long-term residual impacts.
The total budget to host the Games was approximately $3.8 million.
Coun. Brian Varga, who was a key member of the Games committee and honorary chair, has made a public request for stories and memories of the Games that will be used to assemble a book.
Varga has said he is seeking volunteers and spectators to share their experiences and memories over the online contact form that can be filled out on the city’s webpage.
By Brendan Miller, with Medicine Hat News REPOSTED onto PressReader
Online link: https://www.pressreader.com/canada/lethbridge-herald/20260827/281522232942842