There’s been an update to the list of official competitions for the 2024 Southern Alberta Summer Games in Coaldale with esports being added to the list.
In September of last year, Coaldale was chosen by the Southern Alberta Recreation Association to host the Games, which will be the first to offer full programming since 2019 – when the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to the Games for four consecutive years.
Since September, Town staff have been busy organizing the Games, including finalizing a list of official competitions. Esports or electronic sports refers to the competitive world of video gaming – where individuals or teams compete against each other in various video game genres.
According to the Town, these competitions can range from organized, multiplayer video game tournaments between professional players and teams to amateur level events. Up to 195 amateur players will compete in a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament hosted by the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce, with first, second and third place players receiving gold, silver and bronze medals.
“2024 marks the first year the Games will host an esports competition and we couldn’t be more excited,” says Mark McIntosh, Games coordinator.
“Esports is a relatively unfamiliar area for many, so upon discovering competitive video gaming would be included as part of the 2024 Games, we were eager to participate,” adds Jesse Sadlowski, director of Technology Learning and Innovation for the Lethbridge School Division. “Our goal is to educate our community about what esports truly entails, so incorporating esports into the Games will not only allow our dedicated gaming students to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but also help us educate people as to what esports involves.”
Registrations for the Games will open May 3 until May 31 via the official Games website. Registrations for esports will be limited to 15 participants per region on a first-come first-served basis and is open to all ages.