Celebrations at Special Olympics Canada Summer Games begin

The opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games hosted a triumphant arrival for 1,700 athletes, coaches and other support staff from across Canada.

Thousands more filled Co-op Place in Medicine Hat on Tuesday night to celebrate the numerous athletes participating in 10 events throughout this week. For many Canadians, it’s a reminder that community, unity and resilience are stronger than many of the hardships in life, including recently.

Many travelers to Medicine Hat faced last-minute challenges in rebooking flights or finding other means of travel following the brief WestJet labour dispute at the beginning of August. And if that wasn’t enough, the wildfires in British Columbia posed further challenges for teams coming in from the Okanagan. However, the Chair for Games’ Organizing Committee confirms all made it safe and in time for the games prior to Tuesday.

The games continue until Saturday the 15th, with some competing for the chance to represent Canada at Worlds’ Special Olympic Gamers in Chile next year.