Gord MacIntyre wants to win a national title at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., this week.
But that’s among many goals for the Edmonton soccer player at the games, which are meant to provide a venue for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It’s an honour to actually be in Medicine Hat and to host the games,” said MacIntyre, who plays left forward for the Team Alberta squad — setting up a lot of goals, as he puts it.
“[I’m hoping for] a lot of good games, fair play and just some awesome competition — hopefully do well.”
After eight years of planning and thousands of kilometres of travel this week for 1,700 athletes, the games are underway.
The southern Alberta city also hopes to highlight its hospitality.
“We’d like to leave a legacy that everyone felt welcome here, but it’s also an economic development impact as well,” Special Olympics Canada Summer Games chair Natalie Sauer told CBC Radio’s Calgary Eyeopener.
Almost 1,700 athletes are competing this week in 10 sports, ranging from bocce and bowling to powerlifting, athletics, basketball, gymnastics and softball.
Colourful crowds waved provincial flags, pompoms, and even a rubber lobster or two at the city’s 6,000-seat hockey arena for the opening ceremonies.
After years of preparation, a fleet of school buses arrived at venues beside semi-trailers delivering some of the 30,000 meals needed over the five days.
Packed hallways were filled with fist bumps and high fives.
Cheers rose up easily and often from bleachers.
‘An amazing phenomenon’: Governor General
After attending the opening day, Governor General Louise Arbour told CBC News that the level of activity, volunteerism and sportsmanship was “an amazing phenomenon.”
“If anybody wants to know anything about Canadian community spirit, it’s happening right now in Medicine Hat, I’ll tell you,” she said.
“It’s very inspiring.”
Nicola Lambrechts, chair of Special Olympics British Columbia, said she is used to such scenes, but is always inspired.
“These are top-level athletes who [are] just doing amazing things … representing their provinces with joy and pride,” said Lambrechts, whose organization will host the winter 2028 edition of the national games in Kelowna.
For volunteers, “there’s a sense of making things better in the world around you.”
“You get a taste of that, and you can’t help but lean in.”
City embraces national event
In Medicine Hat, about 1,500 local volunteers signed up for shifts and to welcome an expected 1,500 family members and coaches who joined the athletes in the journey.
They completely filled 13 hotels in the city of 69,000, located 290 kilometres east of Calgary.
Local games manager Kara Brake said the event has taken over the city.
While there’s no question the focus is on the athletes, she said, volunteers and organizers are gaining as well.
“It’s definitely a heartwarming event,” she said. “This is kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity for a lot of us too. This is a huge event. It’s a national event … It’s the real deal.”
History of hosting in southeast Alberta
Medicine Hat prides itself as a host city, with newer facilities, a well-seasoned bid and host committee combined with volunteer culture.
The city has made raising its profile a key part of its economic development strategy, but hasn’t held a major multi-sport event this decade.
It was supposed to host the 2022 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, but had to renew its bid when the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Along with the 10-year-old hockey arena and a recreation centre expanded in 2013, Medicine Hat College and Medicine Hat High School gymnasiums were used for powerlifting and basketball.
A local bowling alley, golf course and a track and field facility — a legacy from an Alberta Summer Games in the city — are also being used.
The event’s $3.6-million budget is covered in equal parts by government grants and community and corporate fundraising and donations.
That provides transportation — both in town and from the major airport in Calgary — accommodation and meals, along with events, organizing costs and additional events for participants.
The theme of the games is “we all shine together.”
“I can’t think of a better way to describe the Special Olympics movement,” Special Olympics Canada CEO Gail Hamamoto told a sold-out crowd at the opening ceremonies.
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