Lieutenant Governor praises Medicine Hat's hosting of Special Olympics Games
Salma Lakhani, on her second visit to Medicine Hat, credited local volunteers for the success of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, which run through Saturday.
Alberta's Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, praised Medicine Hat's community spirit and the athletes competing at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games during a visit to the city this week. It is her second trip to Medicine Hat, after previously attending the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards there about three years ago.
Lakhani said she was impressed that a smaller city like Medicine Hat was able to organize the national event, thanking residents involved in planning and running the Games. She noted that most volunteers she met were local, and said that kind of community involvement is common in smaller centres where residents take ownership of hosting major events.
Lakhani, who has attended several competitions during her visit, said she was inspired by the athletes' determination to reach the Games despite challenges they have overcome. She said the athletes are there to have fun, build connections and showcase their abilities, adding that their participation underscores the need to create more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
She also reflected on the Opening Ceremony, where athletes, volunteers and spectators sang O Canada together, saying the moment reflected shared Canadian values of supporting one another and helping people reach their full potential. The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games continue in Medicine Hat through Saturday.
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