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Louise Arbour speaks after being named the next governor general during a news conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)
first time a governor general has attended

Governor General Louis Arbour to attend Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat

Aug 7, 2026 | 10:24 AM

Canada’s Governor General will visit Medicine Hat next week to cheer on athletes competing at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

Louise Arbour will be in the city from Aug. 10 to 13 for the event, marking her first visit to Medicine Hat and the first time a governor general has attended the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

During her visit, Arbour will attend competitions, meet athletes, coaches, families and friends, and recognize the volunteers helping deliver the Games.

She is also scheduled to deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony on Aug. 11 at Co-op Place.

The Governor General’s itinerary includes stops at several sporting venues across the city, including Big Marble Go Centre, Medicine Hat High School, Medicine Hat College, the Medicine Hat Rotary Track and the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.

Arbour will attend events including bowling, softball, basketball, soccer, bocce, golf, athletics, swimming, gymnastics and powerlifting.

She will also visit the Healthy Athletes screening centre at Medicine Hat College, where athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive health screenings. During this visit, health-care students and professionals will gain training in inclusive care.

A reception at the Medalta Historic Clay District will also allow the Governor General to recognize athletes and their families for their support.

She will also travel to Saskatchewan in the afternoon on Aug. 13 to visit the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge located on the Nekaneet First Nation near Maple Creek. During that visit, a release from her office says she will listen, learn and engage with Indigenous women, Elders and staff.

The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games run Aug. 11 to 15, bringing together athletes, coaches and volunteers from across the country.

Organizers say the Games are expected to showcase inclusion, competition and the commitment of the many volunteers working behind the scenes to make the event possible.