Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024

Hosting Inspiring Athletes from Across Canada

Project Background

From February 27 - March 2, Calgary welcomed over 4,000 visitors, including athletes, coaches, officials, and mission staff, along with their families and friends for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2024! The week was filled with incredible displays of community and sportsmanship from our country’s athletes!

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to produce both the Opening Ceremony and the Safeway’s Champions Celebration at the Nutrien Western Event Centre and the Calgary Municipal Building respectively.

Key Accomplishments

Special Olympics Winter Games Calgary 2024 Opening Ceremony

Event Production:

  • Successfully produced the Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics Winter Games Calgary 2024, showcasing Calgary’s diverse and inclusive community.

Cultural and Artistic Collaborations:

  • Curated a land acknowledgement in collaboration with the National accessArts Centre and figure skater Meg Oshada.

  • Partnered with Indigenous dance group members Brent Dodginghorse, DerRic Starlight, and others to welcome athletes to Treaty 7.

  • Engaged local artists Tiffany Lynn Cyffley and Rozzie Lee to collaborate with athletes on creating welcome banners.

Entertainment Coordination:

  • Organized performances by The Young Canadians, Chinook Country Line Dancers, and other local talents, ensuring a dynamic and memorable ceremony.

Community Engagement:

  • Highlighted the unity, resilience, and shared dreams of over 1,200 athletes, coaches, and mission staff from across Canada, igniting the spirit of the Games with a ceremonial cauldron lighting.

Special Olympics Winter Games Calgary 2024 Champions Celebration

Awards Ceremony Production:

  • Produced the Champions Celebration event, which included a Stampede-themed pancake breakfast and medal presentations for sports like bowling, figure skating, speed skating, snowshoeing, and alpine skiing.

High-Profile Participation:

  • Coordinated participation from notable figures, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Premier Danielle Smith, representatives from Tourism Calgary, the Calgary Flames Foundation, and Special Olympics Athlete Ambassadors.

Entertainment and Atmosphere:

  • Engaged performers such as Three Left Feet, Little Red Ball Company, and DJ Paul Spencer, along with appearances by Stampede Royalty, to create a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

Community and Corporate Collaboration:

  • Worked closely with community partners and sponsors, including Safeway, to ensure the success of the event and foster strong relationships within the local community.

Blog

Check out our blog for our full experience with the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024!