Athletes from all walks of life will come together for the 2026 Southern Alberta Summer Games, with registration now open.
The Games are set for July 8-11, with competitions taking place in Bow Island and the County of Forty Mile, with all soccer events hosted in Raymond.
In total, there are 25 sports athletes can register for, including:
- Three, five and 10-kilometre running
- Three-on-three basketball
- Clout archery (new for 2026)
- Badminton
- Ball hockey
- Baseball
- Beach volleyball
- Barrel racing (new for 2026)
- Boccia (new for 2026)
- Cornhole (new for 2026)
- Cribbage
- Darts (new for 2026)
- Esports
- Golf
- Frisbee golf (new for 2026)
- Photography
- Pickleball
- Air gun riffle
- Handgun
- Smallbore
- Swimming
- Mini soccer
- Soccer
- Track and Field
- Trapshooting
Regional director for Team Lethbridge, Carter Gibson, said the Games help raise awareness of the importance of sports at a grassroots level.
He added that having the different communities work together to host the Games showcases how sports bring people together.
“Interconnecting all the communities is great and just the Summer Games in general, it’s a great way for everybody within southern Alberta to make friends and I think sporting is one of the best ways to do that because it’s just an activity that you guys get to do together and especially, even with the volunteers and the coaches, it’s a great overall environment for everyone to make some friends,” Gibson said.
He added that the Games offer an opportunity for people to try out a sport they might not have much experience with.
Last year, officials said 36 per cent of Team Lethbridge competitors registered alongside a family member. Gibson said that figure is likely higher if friends are added into the mix.
The registration deadline is June 11, and athletes can sign up for up to three sports or activities. Registration can be done through the Lethbridge Sport Council website.
Potential participants are invited to attend the ‘Give it a Try’ two-day event May 22 and 23 at Legacy Park in north Lethbridge. The free, family-friendly event will allow the community to try out some of the sports featured in the 2026 Southern Alberta Summer Games.
READ MORE: ‘Give it a Try’ event offers chance to try new sports ahead of 2026 Southern Alberta Summer Games
