Medicine Hat, AB – The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is recognizing and celebrating the tremendous success of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026, while commending the volunteer Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 Board of Directors, organizing committee, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners whose leadership made the event possible.

With athletes, coaches, mission staff, families, and supporters from across Canada, this opportunity has showcased Medicine Hat and Southeast Alberta as a community capable of hosting nationally significant events while demonstrating the power of sport, inclusion, and community spirit. Approximately 1,700 athletes, coaches and mission staff are part of the 2026 Games, drawing visitors from every province and territory. 

"The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games represent far more than a sporting event," said Lisa Dressler, Executive Director of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. "They showcase the tremendous ability of the athletes, it has showcased our community to the entire country, and has generated economic activity for local businesses, demonstrating how we all shine together when volunteers, organizations, governments, and businesses work together toward a common goal."

In addition to the athletic achievements and community pride created by the Games, the event has generated significant economic activity. Based on visitor spending estimates, the Games contribute millions of dollars in direct spending to hotels, restaurants, retailers, transportation providers, attractions, and local service businesses throughout the region. The estimated economic impact of $12 million creates a meaningful boost for the regional economy with 1,700 athletes, coaches, and delegates staying for the weeklong event, combined with spending by spectators, family members, and supporters, in addition to local investments in infrastructure and long-term residual impacts.

"Every filled hotel room, restaurant visit, fuel purchase, retail transaction, and local attraction visit represents new dollars coming into our community," said Dressler. "That spending supports local jobs, strengthens businesses, and reinforces the value of investing in initiatives that attract visitors to Southeast Alberta."

The Chamber also recognizes the broader legacy of the Games. The event has mobilized approximately 1,500 volunteers and provided thousands of visitors with an opportunity to experience Medicine Hat's hospitality, facilities, attractions, and business community firsthand. Hosting a national event of this scale strengthens the region's reputation as a destination for future sporting events, conferences, festivals, and tourism opportunities. It also demonstrates the importance of continued investment in community infrastructure, tourism development, and regional collaboration, with exposure to our region providing the opportunity to have visitors return again in the future

"The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 Board and organizing committee have left a lasting legacy for our community," added Dressler. "On behalf of the business community, we extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude for their vision, dedication, and countless volunteer hours. Their efforts not only create an unforgettable experience for athletes and visitors but also deliver meaningful benefits to our local economy and community."

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce congratulates all athletes, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and organizers who helped make the Games a success and demonstrated the very best of Medicine Hat and Southeast Alberta.

Find out more about the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

View the Games and Events Online: https://specialolympicscanada.tv/

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Lisa Dressler, Executive Director
Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext. 222
www.southeastalbertachamber.ca

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 businesses in our region and is aligned with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, federally and internationally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.