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. 

The games next summer were cancelled to mitigate any further financial and public health strains within the province while we focus on recovery and regaining stability. 

Their focus for the foreseeable future will be on working with their 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.”  

Special Olympics says they are looking forward to the opportunity to build on the momentum they’ve created with Strathcona County thus far. The extra time they'll have to work, plan and access resources with the community and its members will help to responsibly deliver an unforgettable event in 2023.