Special Olympics Canada has announced that the city of Calgary will be the host of its next Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in 2024.

According to a press release from Special Olympics Canada, Calgary will welcome approximately 1,300 participants for the Games along with officials, honoured guests and many friends and family. Tourism Calgary expects the event to have an economic impact of more than $9 million into the local economy.

“Calgary is proud to have been chosen as the host city for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024,” said Calgary Mayor, Jyoti Gondek in the press release. “We look forward to sharing our great facilities and our inclusive community spirit will welcome all with open arms. I know Calgarians will volunteer in great numbers to ensure that this event delivers the experience of a lifetime for these amazing athletes and their families.”

While it marks the fourth time Alberta will host a Special Olympics Canada National Games, the growing city of Calgary also boasts a history of highly successful events as the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympics and recently hosted the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Provincial Games in 2019.

According to Blair McIntosh, Special Olympics Canada’s VP of Sport, Calgary submitted a strong bid focused on “the care and comfort of our athletes.”

“The bid was centred on the concept of showcasing the Games in the heart of the city,” says McIntosh. “This will not only be a great opportunity for our athletes to experience all that Calgary has to offer but will also place our athletes in the heart of the community, where we can witness inclusion in full effect.”

As hundreds of Special Olympics athletes prepare to qualify for the opportunity to compete on the national stage, CEO of Tourism Calgary, Cindy Ady, proudly accepts the challenge of maintaining Calgary’s record of excellence as a host city.

“Calgary knows what it takes to host large-scale sporting events and just as important is our track record as ultimate hosts. The incredible athletes, along with family, friends, supporters, coaches and officials can all expect a warm welcome to our city and a fun-filled event complete with the chance to experience Calgary’s new winter festival, Chinook Blast.”

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 will be the qualifying event for athletes to represent Special Olympics Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. 

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