Supporter FAQs
When will we receive travel information for athletes and volunteers?
Additional travel details will be shared closer to departure once all logistics are finalized.
What should my athlete pack for the Games?
A packing list will be provided to all athletes before the games. Focus on essentials: SO Team BC gear, sport equipment, personal items, and weather-appropriate clothing. Checked bags should be no bigger than 26 inches long, 14 inches wide, 12 inches tall and must weigh under 45 pounds. A duffle bag style with a shoulder strap or wheels and a handle is preferable. Please check with your athlete to ensure they have a good bag for games and it’s not something they can overload.
When will my athlete receive their SO Team BC uniform?
Uniforms will be distributed by their Local or coach a couple of weeks before the team departs.
How should I pack medication?
All medication MUST be bubble/blister packed, including vitamins. The only exception is birth control pills. Anyone that arrives to the airport without their medication bubble packed will be ineligible to continue to the Games.
Athletes should have minimum two week supply of medication with them. Medication needs to be handed to Travelling Coaches on their arrival to the airport before parents/caregivers leave.
Athletes and their caregivers from aquatics, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, and bowling can reach out to Medical Mission Staff Donna at donnabilous@hotmail.com
Athletes and their caregivers from athletics, golf, basketball, soccer, and bocce can reach out to Medical Mission Staff Gavin at gavin.weiner@bcehs.ca
Everyone must fill in an over the counter administration form in order to be given these types of medications. If you have not yet done so, please inform Donna or Gavin.
The SO Team BC medical team will have over the counter medication on hand. If an athlete has a specific over the counter drug or brand that they use, please contact Donna or Gavin to discuss.
What are the hotel/accommodation options for supporters?
Supporters are responsible for booking their own accommodations. Information on recommended hotels will be shared if available. The Games Organizing Committee has also listed accommodation ideas on their Family and Friends site: https://www.socmedhat2026.ca/familyandfriends.
What is the link for the National Games website?
The official Games website is https://www.socmedhat2026.ca
Will there be Special Olympics Team BC or SOC Games merchandise available?
Yes!
Shop the 2026 Special Olympics Team BC merch here.
Shop the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games merch here.
When will the detailed schedule be available?
A daily schedule is available on the official Games website at https://www.socmedhat2026.ca. More detailed schedules will come out closer to Games.
How will I know my athlete’s daily schedule?
Daily schedules will be shared through coaches and/or parent liaisons during National Games.
When can I spend time with my athlete at National Games?
Athletes have trained for years to ensure they perform at their best at National Games. With that in mind, athletes will be asked to stay with their team and coaches to focus on competition. Coaches will determine limited times where visiting can take place.
Can I take my athlete for a meal or time away from the team during the Games?
Athletes are not permitted to leave competition venues or accommodation with their supporters at any time during games. Athletes that wish to travel home with supporters must have an approved Removal From Games request from Special Olympics BC. The deadline to make this request has passed.
What is a parent liaison?
A parent liaison is a designated contact who helps share updates and communication with supporters for each sport through a WhatsApp group chat and in person at venues.
Where will my athlete be staying?
Athletes will stay in official Special Olympics Team BC accommodations with their team. Supporters are not able to visit with their athletes while they are at their accommodations.
How can I communicate with my athlete during National Games?
Athletes will have limited cell phone access during National Games due to performance schedules and team cell phone policies. If you need to reach your athlete, please connect through coaches or the parent liaison outside of these times.
Will events be livestreamed?
All sports will be livestreamed in some way. Most sports will be livestreamed by SportsCanada.TV on Special Olympics Canada's YouTube page.
How do I get Opening Ceremony tickets?
Supporters should register as a member of the Special Olympics Canada Games Family and Friends Program and you will receive early access to Opening Ceremony tickets before they are released to the general public. While tickets will be free for everyone to attend, seating is reserved, and registration ensure that you have first choice of available seats for this exciting event.
It’s my first time at Games, what should I expect?
An exciting, busy environment focused on athlete performance, teamwork, celebration and fun.
What should I bring to venues?
Bring your water bottle, weather-appropriate gear, camera and your SO Team BC spirit.
How should supporters behave at the games?
Be positive, respectful, and supportive of all athletes, coaches, and officials. You can read the Supporters Rules of Enjoyment here.
Where are medal ceremonies held?
Medal ceremonies will either take place at the competition venue or a centralized spot where multiple sports will be recognized.
Is there a SO Team BC supporter meetup location?
Information on any Team BC events will be shared closer to National Games.
Who should I contact with questions?
Your first point of contact is your sport’s parent liaison or SO Team BC staff.
Can events run ahead of schedule?
Yes—events can run early or late. Please arrive ahead of scheduled times and make sure you are connect with your sport’s parent liaison.
Will schedule changes be communicated?
Updates will be shared through coaches and parent liaisons when possible.
Can supporters attend Closing Ceremonies?
Closing Ceremonies are a closed event and celebration for athletes and volunteers only. The theme for the closing ceremonies at games is Mad Hatters so make sure your athlete packs a fun hat to wear there!
Can I bring food or treats for my athlete?
Please do not bring outside food, drinks, or treats for athletes to ensure consistency, safety, and focus.
Will there be supporter transportation between venues?
Registered Family and Friends will receive free access to City of Medicine Hat transit buses for the duration of the Games, making it easy to explore the city and travel to event venues. If utilizing City of Medicine Hat transit buses, we highly recommend downloading the Medicine Hat Transit App for bus routes and schedules and allow extra time when travelling to major events like the Opening Ceremony. You’ll find that most event venues have ample on-site parking (please refer to venue pages for additional parking information), making it easy for those brining or renting a car.
Will schedules be updated if they are running ahead or behind or if there is a delay?
The best way to keep up to date with schedule changes will be through your sport’s parent liaison during National Games and information posted at venues.