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FORT McMURRAY — Northern Alberta will once again host one of the province’s largest amateur sporting events after Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo was selected to host the 2028 Alberta Summer Games.
The Alberta government announced Wednesday it will provide a $1.15-million grant to support planning and delivery of the Games, which are expected to bring about 2,600 athletes, coaches and support staff to the region.
The Alberta Summer Games are held every two years and feature athletes aged 11 to 16 competing in sports ranging from baseball and rugby to swimming, mountain biking and beach volleyball.
The event is also expected to attract family members and visitors from across Alberta, providing an economic and tourism boost for the region.
Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said the Games offer young athletes an opportunity to compete at the provincial level while helping host communities showcase local facilities and attractions.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo previously hosted the Alberta Summer Games in 1985 and has also hosted the Alberta Winter Games in 1992 and 2018.
Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean said the Games will place a provincewide spotlight on the region and its sports infrastructure.
Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao described the announcement as an opportunity to highlight the community’s growth and northern hospitality.
Mayor Sandy Bowman said the municipality has a strong history of hosting major events and expects the Games to generate positive economic and social impacts throughout the region.
Bid committee chair Ainsworth Wisdom said preparations are already underway and described the Games as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for local athletes, youth and families.
The Alberta Games program began in 1974 and has produced more than 50 athletes who later competed at Olympic or Paralympic Games.
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