Alberta Summer Games gives young athletes a taste of the Olympics
Emily Fitzpatrick | CBC News | Posted: July 14, 2016 1:01 AM | Last Updated: July 14, 2016
The 2016 Alberta Summer Games run from July 14 - 17
For many young athletes who have their eyes set on the Olympics some day, Leduc will be their first stop this week towards reaching that dream.
The 2016 Alberta Summer Games will bring more than 3,000 young athletes to that city, eager to battle it out for the bronze, silver, and gold.
Ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old, the athletes will compete in 14 different sports, including cycling, baseball, swimming and beach volleyball.
Alberta Sport Connection spokeswoman Sherri Wilson said the number of athletes attending is almost equivalent to an Winter Olympic Games.
For many of these kids it is that big stepping stone that will take them on to the Canada Games, and eventually the Olympics. - Sherri Wilson, Alberta Sport Connection
"These kids get to do the same kind of things," Wilson said. "They stay in an athletes' village, they eat in a food centre, they have to wear accreditation all the time. So it's kind of that exciting first step into that multi-sport games experince."
Participants earned their way to the games by qualifying at playoffs held for each sport at various communities in Alberta.
"For many of these kids, it is that big stepping stone that will take them on to the Canada Games, and eventually the Olympics," Wilson said. "And for other kids, these are their Olympics, and they will have an amazing experience."
It took the city of Leduc almost two years to prepare for the games, and thousands of volunteers are in place to ensure they run smoothly.
The torch relay will begin at 10:30 am on Thursday morning at the Leduc Chamber of Commerce. The Opening Ceremonies will follow at the Leduc Recreation Centre at 6:30 p.m.
The Alberta government provided $420,000 to support the games through Alberta Sports Connection, which includes a $70,000 cultural grant.
The Alberta Games generates up to $3 million dollars for the host city.
A full list of events is available on the games' website.