Incorporated on February 28th, 1980, Special Olympics Alberta (SOA) has built a tradition of support and opportunity for people in Alberta with intellectual disabilities. In 1980, the organization hosted its first Provincial Summer Games.
Special Olympics Alberta is an accredited chapter of Special Olympics Canada. Through Special Olympics, athletes develop sport skills, social skills and self-esteem, which assist them in becoming actively involved in recreational, educational and employment opportunities in their local affiliates across the province. We offer year-round sports programming to over 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 140 communities across the province. 1,000 coaches and volunteers drive the movement here in Alberta through organizing events, supporting fundraising efforts, providing sports programs for athletes, and advocating for inclusion, among the hundreds of invaluable things they do to better the lives of SOA athletes. We offer 18 official summer and winter sports and reach high school students across Alberta through our Unified Sports program in partnership with Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association.
