Lethbridge is preparing to host a major competition this summer.
On July 4 and 5, the 2026 Tae Kwon-Do International World Cup will be held at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre, hosted by Legacy Tae Kwon-Do Schools and United Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Canada.
Officials said more than 600 participants from upwards of 20 countries will be at the event.
City Council is putting its support behind the competition, with $33,000 in financial help being set aside for the event from the City of Lethbridge.
The proposed overall budget for the event is $141,000, with revenues expected to total roughly $108,000 from participant registration fees, spectator ticket sales and different forms of sponsorship. During the March 12 Community Issues Committee, council approved a request for the $33,000 difference to offset hosting costs.
The City estimates that on top of participants, upwards of 400 fans and 80 officials and volunteers will be part of the event. The World Cup is anticipated to generate close to $750,000 in direct community support through hotel stays, travel, food and local shopping, according to a Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model.
“Our city council is pleased to support this event, which is anticipated to have significant social and economic impacts to the community,” said Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “Lethbridge has a rich history related to martial arts, so we look forward to adding to that legacy by hosting people from all around the world here this July. This is a great opportunity.”
During a presentation to the CIC, Darin Gibson from the Legacy Tae Kwon-Do Club said the event will help to generate interest in the sport and set the tone for future competitions to be held in the city.
“For me, personally, this will be the crowning event of a 45-year journey in martial arts,” Gibson said.
“I’m excited to bring the best competitors in the world to Lethbridge to compete. It’s our turn to bring the world to us so we can show them what Canada has to offer and what Lethbridge has to offer. This will be a great event. I know the community will support it.”
Meanwhile, Susan Eymann, the executive director of the Lethbridge Sport Council, said an event like the World Cup is an “excellent example of how sport can simultaneously drive economic development, community pride and youth opportunity”.
“The Lethbridge Sport Council fully supports the 2026 Tae Kwon-Do International World Cup and its application for funding support,” Eymann added.
“We are confident this event will deliver meaningful social, cultural, and economic benefits to our community and region.”
In November 2022, city council gave the thumbs up to the 2023-2026 Operating Budget. It includes $1,000,000 ($250,000 each year) for the Major Community Event Support Grant.
Officials said as of Dec. 31, 2025, there was $210,000 remaining in unallocated funding for the grant.
