Alberta is proud to support 45 Alberta-based athletes set to represent their hometowns as they compete on Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina. Their dedication, preparation and love for sport is an inspiration for all athletes, Albertans and viewers worldwide.
“Alberta is home to some of Canada’s most committed and high-achieving athletes, and we are thrilled to see them take their talents and commitment to the 2026 Winter Games. Their hard work, resilience and passion inspire us all. On behalf of Albertans, I wish them success in Italy.”
Alberta’s government is proud to celebrate their achievements and support high-performance athletes to develop and compete. Programs like Podium Alberta directly support athletes as they train, travel and compete at the highest levels of sport, easing financial barriers and allowing them to focus on performance. The grant program provides a total of $750,000 annually to eligible Alberta-based high-performance athletes preparing for national and international competition. In 2025 alone, the program supported 240 athletes across 40 different sports, helping cover costs associated with training, equipment, coaching and competition.
“I am so honoured and proud to represent my hometown of St. Albert and the province of Alberta at the Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy. And I am forever grateful for the support that Podium Alberta has provided me throughout my curling career.”
Investments in world-class training centres give Alberta-based athletes a competitive edge by providing the environments, expertise and infrastructure they need to succeed. Facilities such as the Canmore Nordic Centre, recognized for its high-performance trails, biathlon range and reliable winter conditions, attract Canada’s top winter athletes and future generations pursuing excellence in sport. To ensure the centre continues to host high-performance training, recreation and international competition, Alberta’s government invested $27.1 million to expand and modernize the facility.
“It is a privilege to be named to my fifth Paralympic Winter games team, which speaks to the consistency of my training. The majority of that training occurs in Alberta, through investments like the Canmore Nordic Centre and supporting individual athletes through Podium Alberta”
“Words cannot describe the excitement, to finally be able to make my dreams happen by paving my own path through sport while also still being able to follow in my dad's footsteps. I am extremely proud of all my teammates. Without the support from our province, getting to this point would have been much more difficult.”
Alberta-based athletes will compete against the world’s best in events ranging from alpine skiing and curling to luge and hockey. During medal rounds for all Olympic sporting events, Albertans can cheer on Team Canada live at participating restaurants, bars and pubs with extended liquor service, subject to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis guidelines. Olympic events for the 2026 Games run from Feb. 6 to 22, followed by the Paralympic games from March 6 to 15.
“Competing on the world stage is a dream I’ve worked towards for years, and having the opportunity to represent my hometown and Canada is something I carry with immense pride.”
Related information
Related news
- World class upgrades at Canmore Nordic Centre done (Jan 26, 2026)
Key Facts
- In 2025, Podium Alberta supported 240 athletes across 40 different sports.
- From 2022 - 2025, 38 athletes competing in Milano-Cortina have been supported through Podium Alberta.
- The grant program helps cover costs associated with training, equipment, coaching and competition.
- In 2022, 84 Albertan athletes took part in the Winter Games in Beijing (77 Olympians and seven Paralympians).
- This is Team Canada’s first Olympic Winter Games in which athletes competing in women’s events outnumber those in men’s events.
- Athletes continuing their parents’ legacy as former Olympians include:
- Dylan Marineau (freestyle skiing), son of Dennis Marineau
- Jeffrey Read (alpine skiing), son of Ken Read
- Xavier McKeever (cross country skiing), son of Robin McKeever and Milaine Thériault