Volunteers needed for 2024 Special Olympics in Calgary

Posted March 2, 2023 9:57 am Updated March 2, 2023 9:59 am 1:43 Calgary launches Special Olympics Canada Winter Games brand WATCH ABOVE: Calgary is one year away from hosting the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games and the organizers officially launched its brand on Wednesday. Global’s Norma Reid was there. The countdown to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024 officially launched Wednesday in Calgary. The event will see athletes from all over Canada descend on the Alberta city Feb. 27 to March 2, 2024.The organization is hoping the city’s longstanding reputation for community spirit will see 750 volunteers sign up in the year leading up to the event.Karen Dommett is general manager of the upcoming games. She said volunteering is a great experience and a true lesson in what it means to be inclusive.“Lots of people often don’t have a pre-existing relationship with working with an individual with an intellectual disability, there’s a lot of fear and intimidation there,” she said. Story continues below advertisement The games are expected to bring roughly 4,000 visitors to Calgary. The event is estimated to inject $10.7 million into the local economy. Trending Now Finding volunteers will not be an issue, said Canadian curling legend Cheryl Bernard, who is also event co-chair. She said Calgarians have a wonderful history of getting the job done.“I see us step up every time there’s a big event,” Bernard said.Teams from across the nation will compete in eight sports at venues across the city. Those sports include five-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing and speedskating. It’s a qualifier for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2025.READ MORE: How Special Olympics can help athletes with disabilities reduce depression risksBut beyond medals and results, organizers say it’s about spirit.“It’s the highest level of sportsmanship that you can possibly witness and everything that is good about sport,” Dommett explained. “So if you need a reason to fall back in love with sport, this is the event.” Story continues below advertisement For more information on how to donate, visit calgary2024.specialolympics.ca &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Sponsored content Flyers