The 2024 Alberta Winter Games have officially come to a close after a three-day-long battle for more than 2,500 athletes and coaches.
Board Chair Mike Hussey described the lead-up to the event as a “year-long Christmas Eve” and now the presents are finally open.
“I’m biased but I think it was one of the best Alberta Games ever, winter or summer,” he says. “Everybody’s happy, for the most part, we got everyone through unscathed, a few injuries but nothing major, and the most important thing, we’ve handed out a couple hundred medals but everyone ended with a smile.”
At the closing ceremonies, Zone 8 (Peace Country) took home two of the three trophies- The Minister’s Cup, and the Spirit of Sport award, while Zone 3 (Calgary) captured the Alberta Cup.
The finalized standings saw Zone 3 dominating the competition capturing 1st place with 61 golds, 52 silvers, and 36 bronze medals, nearly double the medal count of the second-place Zone 6 (Edmonton) team. Zone 8 came in 7th with five golds, seven silvers, and 15 bronze medals.
Despite the trophies and awards, Hussey says the games mean so much more to the athletes. He says the memories created at the games are the most important part of the event.
Throughout the games, athletes lived with, travelled with, and ate with one another, and Hussey says the comradery built between athletes is what truly makes the games so special.
“I hope we’ve given them a lifelong experience to remember forever,” he says. “The hope is that this will make them want to give back as a coach or a volunteer or as an organizer.”
The next Alberta Winter Games are set to take place in Lakeland after Bonnyville was selected to host in 2026.
