Local sports organizations seeking athletes for 2020 Alberta Summer Games

First published in the Lethbridge Herald on Wednesday, August 7, 2019.

“The 2012 Games gave me some special moments that I still treasure to this day. I first qualified for the Canadian Age Group National Championship at that competition. I could take you through my winning race (50m backstroke) second by second,” said Jordan Calladine, gold medalist, Lethbridge 2012 Alberta Summer Games.

Lethbridge is hosting the 2020 Alberta Summer Games. A multisport competition attracting the best young developing athletes from across Alberta.

Today we are examining how athlete selection happens.

They must be at least 11-years-old and not yet turned 18 on opening day of the Games. Athletes cannot have competed at the Canada Games in the same sport.

Athletes represent one of eight provincial zones. Each Zone will host playoffs in the spring of 2020.

Lethbridge athletes must attend and qualify at a Zone 1 Sunny South trial event.

Trials occur in each of the 14 sports. Athletics (track and field), baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, BMX, canoe/kayak, football, lacrosse, mountain bike, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, and triathlon. Athletics and swimming include para events. Swimming also includes Special Olympic events.

Sports that are well-known have a fair percent of Lethbridge athletes represented at the Games.

Other lesser-known sports may not have the athlete numbers necessary to fill their Zone team roster.

“Our local sport organizations are always looking for new members,” said Susan Eymann, executive director of the Lethbridge Sport Council.

“Football and lacrosse are looking for more players in all age categories while lacrosse is also looking for female players to start an all-girls team.

Triathlon and canoe/kayak clubs have experienced coaches who are ready for increased interest in their sports.

The community track and field club is working with the University of Lethbridge and school district teams to share equipment, venue and to provide programs for the entire community.

If you are already participating in one of the Games’ sports, talk to your coach to find out more details.

If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about sport clubs in Lethbridge, visit our online Sport Directory or contact our office at 403-320-5412.

Throughout the year, Lethbridge Sport Council will publish articles about each of the 14 sports included in the 2020 Alberta Summer Games highlighting local programs, people, and places.

For more local sport information visit http://www.lethbridgesportcouncil.ca.