Alberta is taking centre stage with over a dozen major sporting events headed out west over the summer.
Alberta’s government has committed more than $1.2 million in Major Sport Event grant funding to help support these events within the province. Each event will bring millions worth of economic activity into the local economies of the host communities.
“Twelve major sport events. Hundreds of thousands of fans. Endless Alberta pride,” stated Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “Hosting major sporting events in our province is about more than the competition — it’s about building on our province’s reputation as a premier destination, providing opportunities for local athletes and driving economic growth. I am thrilled to welcome these events to our province, and I encourage everyone to be a part of the excitement.”
These events aren’t just limited to the Edmonton area, with events taking place in Lethbridge, Calgary, Lloydminster, Canmore, and other regions around the province.
Alberta’s Major Sport Event grant program provides up to $250,000 to eligible sport events to help with the costs associated with hosting national and international competitions.
International and national sport events that have received funding are as follows:
- 2025 Esso Cup (hockey) – April 20-26 – Lloydminster
- 2025 Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships – May 9-25 – Edmonton
- 2025 Open National Championships (judo) – May 15-18 – Calgary
- 2025 Canmore Canada Cup (mountain biking) – June 11-14 – Canmore
- World Athletics Silver Continental Tour (Edmonton Athletics Invitational) – June 13-14 – Edmonton
- North American Cup Series (climbing) – June 20-22 – Edmonton
- 2025 Speedo Junior Elite National Championships (diving) – July 17-21 – Edmonton
- 2025 U18 Women’s Football National Championship – July 17-26 – Calgary
- FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series (basketball) – July 25-27 – Edmonton
- FIBA 3×3 World Tour (basketball) – July 25-27 – Edmonton
- 2025 IPSC Canadian Handgun Nationals – July 28-Aug. 3 – Taber
- IWWF Under 21 World Waterski Championships – July 31-Aug. 3 – Foothills
“Explore Edmonton is pleased to see this provincial investment in major sporting events in Edmonton,” said Traci Bednard, CEO of Explore Edmonton. “The events are great ways to showcase Edmonton’s vibrancy, celebrate athletic talent and gather community.”
