Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

BONNYVILLE-COLD LAKE

25th Alberta Winter Games in 2026

Feb 13, 2024 | 2:55 PM

Thousands of Alberta’s best athletes, coaches and visitors from across the province will gather for the 25th Alberta Winter Games in 2026

Government officials say the province’s top junior athletes will come together in the M.D. of Bonnyville, City of Cold Lake, Town of Bonnyville and Village of Glendon. Athletes aged 11 to 16 will qualify for the Games through zone playoffs for their specific sport and through selections held throughout the province. Officicals note, previous Winter Games have seen athletes compete across a variety of sports, including ringette, hockey, skiing and speedskating.

Organizers say the Winter Games bolster local economies in rural Alberta, with the 2020 Winter Games bringing in almost 10,000 visitors and providing an economic benefit of more than $2 million for the host city of Airdrie. Officials add, the Games also provide a legacy of improved recreation infrastructure and bind communities together with enhanced community spirit.

“We are proud to support opportunities that celebrate the achievements of our young athletes, offering them a platform to compete and realize their athletic potential. With Bonnyville and Cold Lake’s previous success of hosting the Winter Games, I am confident that they will make the 2026 Winter Games one for the memories,” says Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport.

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“We are ready to host the best junior athletes that Alberta has to offer during the Winter Games,” shares Scott Cyr, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul. “Our exceptional recreation infrastructure and warm hospitality will leave athletes, coaches, parents and technical officials with a desire to keep coming back.”

With the location selected, officials say the Alberta Games planning committee can begin planning and selecting the exact dates for the Games, as well as which sports will be included. Alberta’s government says it will provide an $820,000 operating grant to the 2026 host society to help cover operating costs such as staffing, transportation, food, venues and promotions.

“The Municipal District of Bonnyville is excited to co-host the Alberta Winter Games once again,” states Barry Kalinski, reeve, M.D. of Bonnyville. “Congratulations to our Regional Sports Tourism Committee for their successful bid – without cooperation and collaboration with our neighbouring municipalities, hosting the Games wouldn’t be possible. We can’t wait to welcome athletes and their families and showcase our amazing region and facilities.”

“The City of Cold Lake is thrilled to be able to be part of the Alberta Winter Games 2026 along with our regional municipal partners to showcase not only our community but the outstanding recreational facilities here in Cold Lake,” says Craig Copeland, mayor, City of Cold Lake.

“As mayor of Bonnyville, I am both honoured and elated that we, along with our municipal partners, have been chosen to host the prestigious Alberta Winter Games. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our area’s warmth, hospitality and passion for sports. Together, we will create lasting memories and a legacy of excellence for our region. Let the Games begin,” exclaims Elisa Brosseau, mayor, Town of Bonnyville.

“The Village of Glendon is excited and honoured to partner with our neighbouring communities to hold the 2026 Alberta Winter Games. We look forward to seeing athletes and their families from all over the province passing through all our communities, utilizing our facilities, making memories, achieving goals, receiving medals, and even possibly getting a picture next to the world’s largest perogy. Good luck to all the athletes preparing for the 2026 Alberta Winter Games – see you in 2026,” says Nicholas Werstiuk, mayor, Village of Glendon.

According to government officials, the first Alberta Winter Games took place in Banff in 1976 and the event has gone on to become a staple in Alberta’s sports community. Since 1988, when the Olympic Games were held in Calgary, 49 Alberta Winter Games athletes have represented Canada at Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Officials say the 2026 Games will build on the much-anticipated 2024 Alberta Winter Games, which are being held Feb. 16-19 in Grande Prairie. More than 2,500 athletes, coaches, managers and technical officials will participate in 17 sports this year.

Provincial officials note, the Alberta Games have been a proud part of Alberta’s sport community for almost 50 years and Alberta’s government says it is committed to ensuring their continued success.

Alberta government quick facts

At the Alberta Winter Games, 333 sets of medals are typically presented along with three trophies:

The Alberta Cup is awarded to the winning zone.

• The Minister’s Cup is presented to the most improved zone from the previous Alberta Winter Games.

The Spirit of Sport Trophy is awarded to the zone that shows the greatest sportsmanship.

• Athletes who have participated in the Alberta Winter Games program and gone on to represent Canada at Olympic and Paralympic Games include:
• Brian McKeever, 1993 and 1994 Alberta Winter Games – 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 Paralympics (20 medals, including 16 gold in para nordic skiing)
• Marc Kennedy, 1996 and 1998 Alberta Winter Games – 2010, 2018, 2022 Olympic Winter Games (gold and bronze in curling)

• Kurt Browning, 1980 Alberta Winter Games – 1998, 1992, 1994 Olympic Winter Games (figure skating)

Chandra Crawford, 1996 and 1998 Alberta Winter Games – 2006, 2010, 2018 Olympic Winter Games (gold in cross-country skiing)

• Gilmore Junio, 2006 Alberta Winter Games – 2014, 2018, 2022 Olympic Winter Games (speed skating)
• Adam Runnalls, 2012 Alberta Winter Games – 2022 Olympic Winter Games (biathlon)
• Jocelyn Peterman, 2010 Alberta Winter Games – 2022 Olympic Winter Games (curling)
• Maddison Pearman, 2008 Alberta Winter Games – 2022 Olympic Winter Games (speed skating)
• Connor Howe, 2012 Alberta Winter Games – 2022 Olympic Winter Games (speed skating)
• Amy Fraser, 2008 Alberta Winter Games – 2022 Olympic Winter Games (freestyle skiing)