Sherwood Park Gears Up for 2026 Alberta Summer Games

Sherwood Park is set to host the 2026 Alberta Summer Games from July 16 to 19, marking the third time Strathcona County has welcomed this prestigious event. Approximately 5,000 participants are expected to compete in 13 sports, including athletics, basketball, and beach volleyball. 

 

Alberta's Minister of Tourism and Sport, Joseph Schow, emphasized that the Games offer more than just athletic competition. He highlighted the lasting benefits for host communities, such as improved infrastructure, trained volunteers, and increased tourism revenue. For athletes, the event fosters teamwork, builds confidence, and promotes healthy lifestyles that can extend into adulthood. 

 

The planning committee is finalizing the event dates, with the Games traditionally spanning four days and featuring sports like rugby 7s, beach volleyball, and track and field. The 2023 Games saw nearly 2,000 athletes participate in 14 different sports. The province noted that the 2023 event, hosted by Okotoks and Diamond Valley, attracted just under 10,000 visitors and provided an economic boost of nearly $9.5 million for the host communities. 

 

Nate Glubish, MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating that Strathcona County's exceptional infrastructure, passion for sports, and renowned hospitality make it an ideal host for the 2026 Alberta Summer Games. He looks forward to welcoming Alberta's young athletes to the community. 

 

Athletes aged 11 to 16 qualify for the Games through zone playoffs and selections held across the province. Since 1998, 18 Alberta Games athletes have represented Canada at the Olympics, underscoring the event's role in developing future sports talent. 

 

In preparation for the Games, Strathcona County is investing in local infrastructure. A significant $12 million upgrade is planned for Sherwood Park's aging arena, addressing structural, mechanical, and electrical issues to extend its lifespan by at least 15 years. The project includes modernizing washrooms, improving accessibility, and adding an additional change room. 

 

Additionally, the community is enhancing its cultural landscape. A call for artists has been issued for a live mural jam coinciding with the Games. Over four days, selected artists will create indoor murals around an elevated running track, celebrating movement, care, collaboration, and the spirit of youth.

 

The 2026 Alberta Summer Games promise to be a celebration of athleticism and community spirit, leaving a lasting legacy for Sherwood Park and its residents.