The Rotary Club welcomed back to a meeting, Natalie Sauer, the chairperson of the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. She was introduced by Margie Booyens, who reminded us about Natalie's presentation prior to the Games, and welcomed her back.
Natalie took the podium and the mic, and showed a number of great photos of the games. She mentioned that in excess of 20,000 photos were taken by the publicity team, and how great it is to have that record.
Natalie spoke about the amazing character of the City, how some 5,400 volunteer shifts totalling over 30,000 hours were involved in putting on the event. She spoke about the 1100 athletes and 350 coaches, as well as a huge contingent of parents and friends had enjoyed a week in Medicine Hat. Although the weather didn't provide a normal summer week for the visitors everything went to plan.
She talked about the fundraising involved, over $3,900,000 was raised to put the games on, how food for the athletes cost approximately $850,000 and that the cost of accommodations was in excess of $1,000,000. But she also related great stories about buses that “sang” all the way from Calgary to Medicine Hat. In fact, 1,600 people were moved from Calgary to “the Hat”, in over 30 vehicles.
But most of all she talked about the volunteers, how the City really stepped up to host the event and showed off its strengths. She had everyone from the club who participated stand up, tell a few stories and take a group photo.
Both Mike Christie and President Doug took turns thanking Natalie for her patience and great leadership in making the event a success. We are all proud of the outcome.
