With less than 100 days until the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games kicks off in Grande Prairie, the event is looking for about 300 volunteers.
The games will welcome over 1,000 athletes from across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, kicking off the weekend sporting event on July 11 with an opening ceremony at Bonnetts Energy Centre.
“We’ve soft-launched the website that you can register on, so we’re trying a new system in comparison to other games,” said Lisa Kerkhof, games manager.
She said that about 20 people have signed up through the website and that it will begin promoting the need for volunteers this week.
“We’ll have posters up, and we’ve connected with all the sports groups that we could, so we’re well on our way to getting all that we’ll need.”
Volunteer opportunities are available at sogp2025.com, with 16 different roles available.
No previous experience in volunteering is needed, but organizers ask that volunteers be available for two four-hour shifts throughout the weekend and bring a positive attitude and willingness to support the athletes and spectators.
“We’re excited to see the positive impact that the Games are already having on our community and the athletes,” said host organizing committee co-chair Dianna Wright.
“We’re officially less than 100 days away, and as the Games quickly approach, we encourage everyone in the community to find a way to get involved – whether as a volunteer, a sponsor or a spectator!”
The game’s organizers have been busy securing funding for the games. It raised over $7,000 from its Touch-a-Truck event in September, and then the Polar plunge in February raised about $21,000.
Three athletes are also supporting the promotion of the games under the Ambassador Program.
“The goal of the program is to connect the ambassadors with local sponsors and industry leaders while providing hands-on business experience to each of them,” said Kerkhof.
“This will not only highlight the talents and abilities of our athletes but also introduce the community to Special Olympics and the valuable programming offered in Grande Prairie.”
On the weekend of July 11, athletes will be competing in a variety of sports, including swimming, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, golf, softball, powerlifting, soccer, bocce, athletics and 10-pin bowling, with it all being available to the public to view for free.
The event is designed to be inclusive, and as such, spectators will have free access to all events throughout the weekend, including the opening ceremony,” said Kerkhof.
“The host organizing committee is confident that these games will not only showcase the athleticism and determination of the participants but also highlight the strength of the city’s community spirit.”
By Jesse Boily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Town & Country News
