STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Photo credit: Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.
By Curtis Galbraith
Community

Big events in 2025 in Grande Prairie include the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games

Jan 2, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Something to look forward to this year will be the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games coming to Grande Prairie.

They are set for July 11 to 13.

Games Manager Lisa Kerkhof says athletes will take part in 10 sports spread across six venues.

“(Fans will) see lots of good competition and a lot of interaction between the participants themselves (and) just an overall heartwarming experience.”

Kerkhof says 1,100 athletes and coaches will be taking part. Hotels will serve as the main accommodations.

“And then food, we’re working with different catering sources within Grande Prairie to get everybody fed in a healthy manner.”

Kerkhof outlines what sports will be hosted at what facilities.

“Legion Field will be hosting both athletics and bocce ball. Bowling Stones will be hosting the 10-pin bowling.”

“The Activity and Reception Centre and adjacent Rotary Soccer Fields will be hosting power lifting inside and then soccer on the fields.”

“The Eastlink Centre will be hosting swimming, basketball and rhythmic gymnastics in the gymnastics centre.”

“South Bear Creek will be hosting softball and the Dunes Golf & Winter Club will be hosting golf.”

The opening ceremony will take place at the Bonnetts Energy Centre.

There will be no admission charge for the opening ceremony or any of the events.

Kerkhof says they are hoping for about 250 volunteers. Anyone interested can email info@sogp2025.com.

Registration for volunteers will open in April.

by Curtis Galbraith