Medicine Hat's Mitchell MacDonald to bowl for Team Alberta at 2026 Special Olympics Games
Mitchell MacDonald, a Medicine Hat 10-pin bowler who represented Canada at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, will compete on home soil as the city hosts the national event.
Medicine Hat athlete Mitchell MacDonald is preparing to represent both his hometown and Team Alberta in 10-pin bowling at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, being held in Medicine Hat. Bowling was his first Special Olympics sport and remains his favourite, and he has gone on to compete provincially, nationally and internationally, including at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.
MacDonald says the Games are less about medals and more about reconnecting with friends made through the sport, including several athletes he will face again in Medicine Hat. His involvement in Special Olympics has expanded over the years to include floorball and bocce, and he has become known for encouraging other athletes to try new sports.
His coach, identified only as Pat, described MacDonald as a positive presence for teammates who helps others stay upbeat after a tough game and has grown in confidence and maturity over the years. Outside of sport, MacDonald takes part in programs with the Venturers Society, including woodworking and community projects.
As Medicine Hat welcomes athletes from across the country, MacDonald said he hopes the community turns out to cheer for the Games.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.