The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 Inspired, Delighted, and Celebrated Athletes from Across the Country!
March 11, 2024 | CALGARY, EVENTS, FESTIVALS, WHAT'S HAPPENING
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.
Opening Ceremony – February 27
Our aim for the Opening Ceremony was to highlight the rich diversity and inclusivity of Calgary's community. This involved various collaborations, such as crafting a land acknowledgment with figure skater Meg Oshada through the National accessArts Centre and welcoming athletes to Treaty 7 with an Indigenous dance performance led by Brent Dodginghorse, DerRic Starlight, and their Indigenous dance group. Additionally, performances by The Young Canadians and Chinook Country Line Dancers added signature Stampede flair to the atmosphere. We also worked closely with local artists Tiffany Lynn Cyffley and Rozzie Lee, who helped athletes leave their mark on the welcome banners carried into the event centre.
With these collaborations, we were able to deliver an unforgettable evening for all the athletes participating in the Special Olympics!
Champions Celebration – March 2
Following an exhilarating week of sports, we had the privilege of hosting a celebratory event for the athletes and the community! The Champions Celebration, sponsored by Safeway, featured medal ceremonies honouring outstanding performances in bowling, figure skating, speed skating, snowshoeing, and alpine skiing. Presenting these awards included Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Premier Danielle Smith, representatives from Tourism Calgary, Athlete Ambassadors from the Special Olympic Winter Games 2024, the Calgary Flames Foundation, and Safeway, alongside other valued community partners.
Attendees were treated to captivating roving performances by Three Left Feet and the Little Red Ball Company, courtesy of Chinook Blast! Adding to the festivities, we were honoured by the presence of Stampede Royalty, with the reigning First Nations Princess and Stampede Princess gracing attendees with their appearance. DJ Paul Spencer set the perfect ambiance with his music, while the iconic figure skater Elladj Balde presented medals to all athletes! It was a bustling morning filled with excitement!
Congratulations to the Athletes
On behalf of Bird Creatives, we give our heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes competing in the Special Olympics Winter Games Calgary 2024! Your hard work and dedication to your sports are an inspiration to us all!
We wish them the best of luck as they compete internationally!
To learn more about Special Olympics Canada on their website.
Thanks to Our Awesome Crew!
We’d like to give a special shoutout to our Bird crew Sylvia, Sam, Cory, and Sharon as project leads along with Rose and Cherie as event support!