The Alberta government is set to welcome 12 major sporting events to the province, showcasing Alberta as a leader in sports tourism.
Alberta will host seven national and five international sporting events over the next three months and has committed more than $1.2 million in Major Sport Event grant funding to help bring these elite competitions to the province.
Each event will inject millions into the local economies of host communities, as visitors support businesses in the region through dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation bookings.
“Twelve major sport events. Hundreds of thousands of fans. Endless Alberta pride. Hosting major sporting events in our province is about more than the competition — it’s about building on our province’s reputation as a premier destination, providing opportunities for local athletes and driving economic growth. I am thrilled to welcome these events to our province, and I encourage everyone to be a part of the excitement,” says Joseph Schow, the minister of Tourism and Sport.
From women’s hockey and judo to mountain biking and shooting, these major sporting events highlight the province’s diversity and vibrancy.
The 12 international and national sport events that have been funded or will receive funding this year are:
- Esso Cup (hockey) – April 20–26 – Lloydminster
- Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships – May 9–25 – Edmonton
- Open National Championships (judo) – May 15–18 – Calgary
- Canmore Canada Cup (mountain biking) – June 11–14 – Canmore
- World Athletics Silver Continental Tour (Edmonton Athletics Invitational) – June 13–14 – Edmonton
- North American Cup Series (climbing) – June 20–22 – Edmonton
- Speedo Junior Elite National Championships (diving) – July 17–21 – Edmonton
- U18 Women’s Football National Championship – July 17–26 – Calgary
- FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series (basketball) – July 25–27 – Edmonton
- FIBA 3x3 World Tour (basketball) – July 25–27 – Edmonton
- IPSC Canadian Handgun Nationals – July 28–Aug. 3 – Taber
- IWWF Under-21 World Waterski Championships – July 31–Aug. 3 – Foothills
They also inspire the next generation of Alberta athletes by giving them a front-row seat to athletic excellence and a chance for homegrown athletes to compete in front of a hometown crowd.
“Having the opportunity to compete in my own city, with friends and family there to support me, means everything." says Carter Shank an athlete in volleyball with the Youth Nationals.
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