Kelowna Announced as Host City for Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2028

January 20, 2026

Special Olympics Canada, in partnership with the City of Kelowna and Tourism Kelowna, is pleased to announce Kelowna, British Columbia as the host city for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2028.

The 2028 Games, taking place from February 28 to March 4, 2028, is themed “Empowering Athletes, Inspiring Generations,” and will be the first-ever Special Olympics Canada Winter Games held in British Columbia. Building on the legacy of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games hosted in Vancouver in 2014, the Kelowna Games will leave a lasting impact for athletes, their families, volunteers, and the broader community.

In recent years, Kelowna has emerged as a trusted host for major sporting and cultural events, recognized for delivering exceptional experiences at both the athlete and community level. Hosting the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in 2028 underscores the city’s capacity to welcome the nation and will generate a forecasted economic impact of more than $7 million, supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s year-round visitor economy.

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will welcome approximately 1,300 participants, including athletes and coaches, competing across eight winter sports: curling, figure skating, speed skating, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, five-pin bowling, snowshoeing, and floor hockey or floorball. Competitions will be hosted at seven venues throughout the city, with Kelowna also welcoming event officials, honoured guests, and friends and family from across Canada.

In addition to its national impact, the Kelowna 2028 Games will serve as the qualifying event for athletes to represent Special Olympics Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Switzerland in 2029, where competitors from more than 100 countries will compete on the world stage.

As Kelowna prepares to welcome the nation in 2028, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games promise not only extraordinary athletic performances, but a powerful celebration of inclusion, determination, and community, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Congratulations to the City of Kelowna on being chosen to host the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. As an Olympian, I know the profound impact sport has, and the sheer joy and courage of Special Olympics athletes are truly inspiring. This event will unite our country by not only celebrating sport but also embodying the inclusion and acceptance our government is deeply committed to championing for all Canadians. These Games will also help build our nation, creating healthier, more inclusive communities from coast to coast to coast. We look forward to knowing Kelowna will deliver an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting legacy for the city, the province, and the country.

The Honourable Adam Van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

Welcoming the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games is an honour for our city. These Games reflect the power of sport in changing lives and bringing communities together. With investments from our government, Kelowna and Special Olympics Canada are well-positioned to deliver an exceptional experience for athletes, their families, and the volunteers who make these Games possible.

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

Kelowna is proud and excited to welcome the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in 2028. This is a major moment for our city and a reflection of Kelowna’s growing reputation as a world-class host for national events that bring people together and deliver real benefits for our community. With more than 1,300 athletes and coaches, along with families, volunteers, and supporters travelling from across the country, the Games will create a significant boost for our local economy. We look forward to working with Special Olympics Canada and Tourism Kelowna to deliver an unforgettable experience for everyone who comes to Kelowna, and to celebrate the spirit of inclusion, determination, and community that these Games represent.

Mayor Tom Dyas, City of Kelowna

Kelowna’s bid stood out for its strong focus on the athlete experience. Special Olympics Canada is confident the city will deliver an exceptional Winter Games—bringing hundreds of athletes from across the country together to compete, connect and showcase their dedication and skill on a national stage. The Special Olympics Canada National Games create a safe sport environment where athletes are respected, valued, and accepted. Special Olympics is a community where athletes experience true belonging and are celebrated for who they are – creating a more inclusive Canada through sport.

Gail Hamamoto, Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics Canada

Having Special Olympics Canada Games return to our province for the first time in 14 years will be a powerful source of pride, inspiration, and growth for our Special Olympics BC community. We hope this important national competition will shine a spotlight on Special Olympics BC’s skilled and passionate athletes with intellectual disabilities, life-changing year-round programs, and dedicated supporters in Kelowna and 55 communities across our province.

Dan Howe, President and CEO, Special Olympics British Columbia

This is a moment of immense pride for Kelowna. Hosting the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games reflects who we are as a community: welcoming, inclusive, and deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences that will last a lifetime. These Games will bring people together from across the country while delivering an impactful economic boost during a key shoulder season, supporting our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local tourism businesses.

Lisanne Ballantyne, President & CEO, Tourism Kelowna