Alberta is renowned as a premier destination for major sporting events, and the province is continuing to build upon this legacy by welcoming seven national and five international sporting events over the next three months. Together, these 12 events will bring thousands of athletes, coaches and fans to Alberta, showcasing the province’s warm hospitality, world-class facilities and stunning landscapes to the world.
(Left to right) Traci Bednard, CEO, Explore Edmonton, Carter Shank, athlete in volleyball Youth Nationals, Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport, and Sandra de Graaff, director of domestic competitions, Volleyball Canada, hit the courts at the 2025 Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships.
Alberta’s government has committed more than $1.2 million in Major Sport Event grant funding to help bring these elite competitions to the province. Each event will inject millions into the local economies of their host communities, as visitors support businesses in the region with dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation bookings.
“Twelve major sport events. Hundreds of thousands of fans. Endless Alberta pride. 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. Best of luck to all our Alberta athletes!”
Spanning communities across Alberta and featuring diverse disciplines, from women’s hockey and judo to mountain biking and shooting, these 12 major sporting events highlight the province’s diversity and vibrancy. They also inspire the next generation of Alberta athletes by giving them a front-row seat to athletic excellence and a chance for homegrown athletes compete in front of a hometown crowd.
“Explore Edmonton is pleased to see this provincial investment in major sporting events in Edmonton. The events are great ways to showcase Edmonton’s vibrancy, celebrate athletic talent and gather community. Major sporting events are an economic driver that demonstrate the incredible impact of the visitor economy, drawing people to Edmonton who support our hotels, restaurants, cultural experiences and attractions.”
The 2025 Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships are taking place in Edmonton with support from the Major Sport Event Program. From May 9-25, the EXPO Centre will welcome over 40,000 athletes, coaches, referees and spectators as more than 1,500 teams compete for the title. These championships alone are expected to inject $53 million into the province’s economy. Other events supported through the Major Sport Event program include the 2025 Esso Cup, which wrapped up with an Edmonton Junior Oilers victory in Lloydminster, as well as the 2025 Open National Judo Championships happening in Calgary later this week.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Youth National Championships back to Edmonton. This event not only showcases top volleyball talent but delivers a major boost to Alberta’s sport tourism sector — energizing the local economy and spotlighting the province as a premier destination for major events.”
“Having the opportunity to compete in my own city, with friends and family there to support me, means everything. It pushes me to be my best and persevere through the tough times. It also allows me to celebrate the wins with those who helped me get here. It’s a feeling like no other, and I’m truly grateful to the Government of Alberta for making it possible."
Alberta’s Major Sport Event grant program provides up to $250,000 to eligible sport events to help with costs associated with hosting national and international competitions, including facility rentals, venue enhancements, promotional and marketing campaigns, and more. More funding for world-class sport events will be announced in the coming months.
Quick facts
- International and national sport events funded this intake:
- 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 3x3 Women’s Series (basketball) – July 25-27 – Edmonton
- FIBA 3x3 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
Related information
- Major Sport Event Grant Program
- 2025 Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships
- For media interested in attending the Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships Media Day at noon on May 19, contact Mezi Tamrat at [email protected] for more information.
Related news
- She shoots, she scores! (April 17, 2025)
- Alberta scores big with major sport events (Feb. 18, 2025)