Redcliff steps in to host 2027 Southern Alberta Summer Games
Redcliff council has committed up to $36,500 to host the regional multi-sport Games after Raymond withdrew, with Cypress County asked to cover part of the remaining cost.
Sports
Council voted Sept. 14 to confirm the town wants to host and to put $36,500 in its 2027 budget, to be adjusted if other money comes in, according to the meeting minutes.
"There has been no interest from any other community in the Southern Alberta Region to take on the Games, and so now there is a chance that the games may not run at all," a town staff report to council said. A Cypress County report identifies the withdrawing host as Raymond, which it said had to step aside "due to unforeseen circumstances."
The Games draw about 2,000 athletes and family members from 13 regions of southern Alberta for four days and 20 to 25 sporting events. Athletes range in age from six to senior adults. Redcliff's proposal asks to hold the 2027 Games July 14 to 17, a week later than usual, to leave time for final preparations after Redcliff Days in June.
The proposal puts the cost of running the Games at $57,500, with the largest items being $10,000 for officials and honorariums, $7,000 for volunteer lunches and $6,000 for athlete and volunteer T-shirts. The Southern Alberta Recreation Association provides a $17,000 host grant and registration fees are expected to bring in about $4,000.
The town plans to seek sponsorships and to approach the City of Medicine Hat for a donation. Staff said the town's final share is expected to be "much less" than the $36,500 budgeted.
Of 32 possible sport events identified in early planning, 17 community groups have agreed to chair an event and six have offered their facilities, the proposal said. The town would also run free activities during the Games, including a roller disco at the arena, a pool party at the aquatic centre, and a pancake breakfast and outdoor movie in Lions Park.
"I know that we can host a successful event on a reasonable budget and the community would be in support of it," Melody Astika, the town's FCSS and special events coordinator, wrote in the proposal.
Cypress County, which competes with Redcliff as a single region at the Games, was asked at its Oct. 6 council meeting to cover 25 per cent of whatever costs remain after sponsorships, to a maximum of $10,000, according to a county report. County administration recommended approval. The report said the regional team, usually called Team Cypress County/Redcliff, would be advertised as Team Redcliff/Cypress County for these Games, since most events will be held in the town.
An economic assessment of the 2024 Games in Coaldale estimated they generated $814,941 in economic activity in Alberta, $660,247 of it in Coaldale, according to figures cited in Redcliff's proposal.
The town's final contribution will be set when council passes its 2027 budget.
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