Alberta’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events continues, as the province is set to host a series of national and international competitions in the coming months. Each major sporting event brings thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to the province, and showcases Alberta’s beauty, vibrancy and world-class facilities on the global stage.
Five additional major sporting events have received funding from Alberta’s government through the Major Sport Event (MSE) grant program. These events represent a diverse range of summer and winter sports, including archery, water skiing, triathlon, athletics and para-nordic skiing. Alberta’s government has committed more than $350,000 to support the planning, staging and delivery of these five events.
“Major sport events like these not only bring in millions of dollars of economic benefit to the host communities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses, but they bring communities together and allow our homegrown athletes to compete in front of a hometown crowd. These events are one more reason Alberta’s the best place in the world to live, visit and play.”
In total, Alberta’s government has provided more than $2.5 million in funding to support the 21 major national and international sporting events occurring across the province in 2024. The MSE grant provides up to $250,000 to eligible events to help with costs associated with hosting national and international competitions. Costs may include facility rentals, venue enhancements, broadcasting and accommodations for participants.
Each event hosted stimulates the local economy as visitors support businesses in the region with increased dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation bookings. The economic impact of each of the recent and upcoming major sport events is projected in the millions. Hosting these events also builds on the province’s reputation as a hub for sports tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.
“The Government of Alberta’s commitment to supporting major sporting events is a testament to the importance of sports tourism, which draws visitors and drives economic growth during historically quieter tourism months. Our community eagerly awaits the excitement of hosting the Para-Nordic Skiing World Cup at the iconic Canmore Nordic Centre, which would not be possible without this support.”
The upcoming 2024 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships is an annual track and field competition sanctioned by Athletics Canada. The championships will feature over 900 athletes from across the country, including 300 Albertans, as they compete in a variety of disciplines including sprinting, long-distance running, jumping and throwing events. The championships run Aug. 9-11 at Foothills Athletic Park in Calgary and are expected to generate $2.8 million in economic impact for the region. Alberta’s government is providing $30,000 for the planning, staging and delivery of the competition.
"Hosting a national event here in Calgary inspires local athletes and offers competitors from across Canada the chance to showcase their skills on the national stage. For these athletes, this shared experience will build lasting friendships and prepare them for the future. We are grateful for the support that allows us to host this event.”
Quick facts
- Recent and upcoming major sport events funded by the MSE grant program include:
- 2024 IWWF World U17 Water Ski Championships – Calgary, July 29-Aug. 4
- 2024 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships – Calgary, Aug. 9-11
- 2024 Americas Triathlon Cup – Edmonton, Aug. 24-25
- 2024 World Archery Field Championships – Lac La Biche, Sept. 16-22
- 2025 FIS Para Nordic World Cup – Canmore, Dec. 6-14
Related information
Related news
- Athletes aiming for gold at Alberta sport events (March 19, 2024)
- All eyes on Alberta for winter sports (Jan. 15, 2024)