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

Province aiming to strengthen Alberta’s sport legacy

Aug 8, 2024 | 6:23 PM

Alberta is welcoming five additional major sporting events to the province, bringing the province’s total to 21 major competitions in 2024.

Government officials say the province is set to host a series of national and international competitions in the coming months. The province notes that each major sporting event brings thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to the province, and showcases Alberta’s beauty, vibrancy and world-class facilities on the global stage.

Five additional major sporting events have received funding from Alberta’s government through the Major Sport Event (MSE) grant program. The government says these events represent a diverse range of summer and winter sports, including archery, water skiing, triathlon, athletics and para-nordic skiing. Alberta’s government says it has committed more than $350,000 to support the planning, staging and delivery of these five events.

“Major sport events like these not only bring in millions of dollars of economic benefit to the host communities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses, but they bring communities together and allow our homegrown athletes to compete in front of a hometown crowd,” says Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “These events are one more reason Alberta’s the best place in the world to live, visit and play.”

In total, Alberta’s government says it has provided more than $2.5 million in funding to support the 21 major national and international sporting events occurring across the province in 2024. Officials say the MSE grant provides up to $250,000 to eligible events to help with costs associated with hosting national and international competitions. Costs may include facility rentals, venue enhancements, broadcasting and accommodations for participants.

Officials say each event hosted stimulates the local economy as visitors support businesses in the region with increased dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation bookings. The government says the economic impact of each of the recent and upcoming major sport events is projected in the millions. Hosting these events also builds on the province’s reputation as a hub for sports tourism, attracting visitors from around the world, officials point out.

“The Government of Alberta’s commitment to supporting major sporting events is a testament to the importance of sports tourism, which draws visitors and drives economic growth during historically quieter tourism months,” says Rachel Ludwig, CEO, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis. “Our community eagerly awaits the excitement of hosting the Para-Nordic Skiing World Cup at the iconic Canmore Nordic Centre, which would not be possible without this support.”

The upcoming 2024 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships is an annual track and field competition sanctioned by Athletics Canada. Officials with the provincial government say the championships will feature over 900 athletes from across the country, including 300 Albertans, as they compete in a variety of disciplines including sprinting, long-distance running, jumping and throwing events. The championships run Aug. 9-11 at Foothills Athletic Park in Calgary and are expected to generate $2.8 million in economic impact for the region. Alberta’s government says it is providing $30,000 for the planning, staging and delivery of the competition.

“Hosting a national event here in Calgary inspires local athletes and offers competitors from across Canada the chance to showcase their skills on the national stage,” shares Paula McKenzie, competition director, Calgary Track Council. “For these athletes, this shared experience will build lasting friendships and prepare them for the future. We are grateful for the support that allows us to host this event.”

Alberta government quick facts

  • Recent and upcoming major sport events funded by the MSE grant program include:
  • 2024 IWWF World U17 Water Ski Championships – Calgary, July 29-Aug. 4
  • 2024 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships – Calgary, Aug. 9-11
  • 2024 Americas Triathlon Cup – Edmonton, Aug. 24-25
  • 2024 World Archery Field Championships – Lac La Biche, Sept. 16-22
  • 2025 FIS Para Nordic World Cup – Canmore, Dec. 6-14
by rdnewsNOW staff