Support for 2023 Alberta Summer Games
Alberta’s government will provide a $420,000 operating grant to the host society to support the 2023 Alberta Summer Games, including $70,000 designated for cultural activities. The games are expected to generate about $3 million in economic benefits in Okotoks, Black Diamond and surrounding areas.
“The Alberta Summer Games are an important part of our province’s culture. The taxpayer dollars invested into local events, like the Summer Games, help to build strong communities and to support our live events and sport sectors. Okotoks and Black Diamond are dynamic communities filled with amazing people and tremendous athletics infrastructure. The warmth and vibrancy of these communities make them a perfect fit for hosting the 2023 Alberta Summer Games. ”Ron Orr, Minister of Culture
“Many of our young athletes will truly be excited by today’s announcement. I’m especially excited for the young women, who have worked so hard and exuded such discipline, who will have the opportunity to compete in these games. Okotoks and Black Diamond will play a pivotal role in helping them advance as champions on the field of play or in the arena of life. I know this community will give them the friendliest welcome possible.”Whitney Issik, Associate Minister of Status of Women
“This is exciting news for the residents of Okotoks, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and surrounding communities. The Alberta Summer Games coming to our communities will provide a welcome social and economic boost. I know our businesses and residents will get behind these games – as sponsors or volunteers – to ensure 2023 will be a summer games to remember.”RJ Sigurdson, MLA for Highwood
“We are excited to have been selected to host the 2023 Alberta Summer Games and look forward to welcoming youth from across the province to participate in a variety of sports in our communities.”Ray Watrin, Deputy Mayor of Okotoks, and Ruth Goodwin, Mayor of Black Diamond
Athletes compete in 14 different sports at the Alberta Summer Games including baseball, mountain biking, rugby, swimming and beach volleyball. Participants qualify to attend the games through zone playoffs held throughout the province.
“As the Chair of the 2023 Alberta Summer Games host society, we are looking forward to ‘rocking the games’ in the communities of Black Diamond and Okotoks.”Sandi Kennedy, chair, 2023 Black Diamond/ Okotoks Alberta Summer Games Society
The event is coordinated by the Okotoks/Black Diamond Alberta Summer Games Society with support from the Ministry of Culture and Status of Women.
Athletes who have participated in the Alberta Summer Games and gone on to represent Canada at the Olympics include:
- Kyra Christmas, 2008/10 Alberta Summer Games – 2021 Tokyo Olympics
- Allison Beveridge, 2006 Alberta Summer Games – 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics (Bronze)
- Sage Watson, 2010 Alberta Summer Games – 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics
- Morgan Bird, 2006 Alberta Summer Games – 2012 and 2016 Paralympics
- Stefan Daniel, 2012 Alberta Summer Games – 2016 Paralympics (Silver)
