“Some of our country’s top athletes got their start competing in the Alberta Games,” said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. “Not only do participants develop their athletic abilities through competition, they learn valuable life skills that can help them succeed later in life inside or outside of sports.”

Athletes ranging in age from 11 to 17 will compete in various summer sports including basketball, inline hockey, water polo and soccer.  The number of participants to transport, feed and accommodate is similar to an Olympic Winter Games, with more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials taking part in the event.

Peace River and Grimshaw will benefit from an economic impact of approximately $3 million by hosting the games.

“Parks, pools, diamonds and gyms around Peace River and Grimshaw will be full of activity,” said Frank Oberle, MLA for Peace River.  “These games are the perfect opportunity for Alberta’s top young athletes to strive for their best in front of family, friends and fans of sport.” 

The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation facilitates the Alberta Games on behalf of the Alberta government and works closely with the host community to prepare for the event.  The foundation will provide $350,000 for the 2010 Alberta Summer Games.  The Alberta Foundation for the Arts will provide an additional $70,000 to support the cultural component of the games.

The Alberta Games take place every two years. The 2008 Alberta Summer Games take place August 7-10 in Medicine Hat, while the 2008 Alberta Winter Games take place in Leduc from February 14-17. For more information, visit www.albertagames.com.

Supporting sport and recreation is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.