Kara Brake will head up group prepping for 2026 Special Olympics in Medicine Hat

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 7, 2024.

Kara Brake has been brought on to hit the ground running as the first official staff member of the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

“Medicine Hat has been waiting many years to host this prestigious event, and I feel so blessed that the board of directors and Special Olympics Canada have chosen me to lead the Games’ staff,” said Brake. “We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next two years, from fundraising, to solidifying contracts with community partners, to finding the 1,200 volunteers that we will require to put on these National Games.”

Brake has had many high-profile roles on numerous other multi-sport games in the past, including games manager for the 2016 Alberta Winter Games, Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games 2017, manager of the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council, and most recently as the business and innovation co-ordinator with the City of Medicine Hat.

With other events such as Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, and annual Southern Alberta Summer Games, Brake is ready to help make sure things are ready for the Aug. 11-15, 2026 event.

Corporate fundraising efforts are already underway, venues are being confirmed and a new website is being built, all while undertaking some of the tasks that need to get sorted out before more than 1,700 athletes and support staff come to southern Alberta.

“It might seem like a long time, but we have a lot to do in the next 21 months,” said Brake. “We learned a lot from the recent Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary. I’m excited for our community to welcome the athletes, coaches, officials and VIPs. These Games will create an inclusive and memorable experience for all participants, ignite Medicine Hat’s community spirit, and leave a lifetime legacy for those with intellectual disabilities. ”

Special Olympics Canada said that they are excited to see Brake step into the role, bringing with her years of experience and deep ties to the city that will make everything possible.

Brake is working out of an office at Co-op Place, which will serve as the 2026 Games’ headquarters.