Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Beginning This Month

Alberta hosting several major sporting events

Aug 21, 2025 | 1:34 PM

Alberta’s government says it is proud to welcome nine major national and international sporting events to the province this month and over the coming months.

Officials say Alberta is a top destination for major sporting events, with thousands of athletes, coaches and fans travelling from around the world for high-profile competitions taking place across the province. Over the coming months, Alberta will host five major international sporting events and four national championships, showcasing the province’s athletic talent and warm hospitality on the world stage.

To help bring these events to life, Alberta’s government says it is investing $895,000 through the Major Sport Event Grant Program. The government says this grant program supports organizations in hosting national and international competitions, including facility rentals, venue enhancements and promotional and marketing campaigns in the province.

“Major sport events bring energy, excitement and significant economic benefits to our communities,” states Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “This upcoming lineup of events highlights Alberta’s commitment to sport excellence, supports our local athletes, inspires kids to get active and helps local businesses thrive.”

The government says each event is eligible to receive up to $250,000 in provincial support, with the St. Albert Bicycle Motocross Association receiving $55,000 as they host the 2025 Canadian National BMX Championships. On August 23 and 24, the province says St. Albert will see more than 800 participants and 2,000 spectators visit the area, injecting up to $400,000 into the local economy – returning more than $7 for each dollar the province has invested in the event. Officials say the competitions will feature over 450 Alberta athletes, including eight-time Canadian National Champion and Olympian, Molly Simpson of Red Deer, who recently became the first Canadian to win a UCI BMX Racing World Cup.

“We are very excited to be hosting the best BMX riders in the country at the best BMX facility in the country,” exclaims Kyle Reiling, President, St. Albert BMX Club. “This track began reconstruction over two years ago and with the help of the province we now have a full five-metre and eight-metre track. With just under 400 metres these high-level riders will complete the course in times around 40 seconds.”

The government notes that Edmonton will host the Pan American Canoe Polo Championships and the 2025 Canadian Cross Triathlon Championships, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for major sporting events.

Officials say the canoe polo championships at Northeast River Valley Park will feature more than 100 athletes, including 35 from Alberta, and serve as a qualifier for the 2026 World Championships.

The cross triathlon will also bring over 450 athletes, including 300 from Alberta. Together, the two events are expected to draw hundreds of spectators and generate more than $850,000 for the local economy – a great return on investment for the province’s support of a combined $60,000, officials point out.

“This high-level international competition will bring together elite teams from across the Americas for an action-packed showcase of skill and teamwork,” says Brad Stone, president, Edmonton White Water Paddlers. “Fans and families will have the chance to support their teams as they compete to qualify for the 2026 World Championships in one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports.”

“This is a unique and exciting celebration of triathlon and mountain biking, and an important milestone in the lead-up to Edmonton hosting the 2027 World Triathlon Multisport Championships,” shares Stephen Bourdeau, chief executive officer, Do North Events. “We’re excited to see over 500 athletes from our region and beyond competing in seven races, plus friends and family enjoying all the festivities over the weekend.”

This year, the government says up to $2.5 million in provincial funding through the Major Sport Event Grant Program will support major sporting events that boost the economy and provide opportunities for Alberta athletes to compete on home soil. Each event is expected to inject millions into the local economies of their host communities, as visitors support businesses in the region with dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation bookings.

Alberta government quick facts

• International and national sport events funded in this announcement:
  • 2025 Men’s U21 Volleyball Pan American Cup – Aug. 5-10 – Calgary
  • 2025 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships – Aug. 8-10 – Calgary
  • 2025 National Half Marathon Championships – Aug. 17 – Edmonton
  • 2025 Pan American Canoe Championships – Aug. 22-24 – Edmonton
  • 2025 Canadian Cross Triathlon Championships – Aug. 23-24 – Edmonton
  • 2025 Canadian BMX Championships – Aug 23-24 – St. Albert
  • ISU World Cup Speed Skating – Nov. 21-23 – Calgary
  • 2026 Viking Cup (hockey) – Dec. 28, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026 – Camrose
  • 2026 FIS Snowboard and Freeski Halfpipe World Cup – Dec. 31, 2025-Jan. 3, 2026 – Calgary