Special Olympics Team BC athletes won 357 medals at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., according to the organization.
The B.C. team, which included athletes from Trail, Creston, Kimberley, Cranbrook and Golden, finished the Aug. 11-15 competition with 101 gold, 123 silver and 133 bronze medals.
Special Olympics Team BC said its contingent included 243 athletes, 75 coaches and 22 mission staff from 42 communities across the province.
About 1,700 athletes, coaches and mission staff from across Canada participated in 10 sports: 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and track and field.
“Our athletes have worked incredibly hard to reach this moment,” said Special Olympics Team BC 2026 chef de mission Michelle Cruickshank. “Every personal best represents countless hours of training, determination, and support from coaches, families, supporters, volunteers, and communities across British Columbia. We are tremendously proud of what Special Olympics Team BC 2026 has accomplished.”
Coquitlam athlete Adam Advocaat was a member of one of two Special Olympics Team BC softball teams that won gold.
“It’s a dream. I’ve been with this team for 25 years and never in my life would I think I’d have this moment. It means everything to me right now and I’m glad to have my team to share this with me,” said Advocaat.
Special Olympics says participation in its programs gives people with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to develop physical fitness, confidence and leadership skills while building friendships and a sense of belonging.
Nanaimo soccer player Julie Black competed in what Special Olympics Team BC described as the first women’s-only soccer division at the national Games. Black and her teammates won silver.
“We did really well and got a silver medal. It’s been really nice getting to play with the girls and getting to know the other athletes. We’ve become very good friends. Special Olympics has been amazing. I feel like I’ve been included – I actually feel like I belong somewhere, instead of feeling like an outcast.”
Special Olympics competitions follow a progression that can take athletes from regional and provincial events to national and international competition.
For B.C. athletes, Special Olympics Team BC said the 2026 national Summer Games were a qualifying event for selection to Team Canada for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.
