Through the Major Sport Events grant program, Alberta’s government is supporting 12 national and international competitions held between February and August 2026. Funding will help communities across the province host major events that drive tourism, showcase Alberta on the national and international stage, and drive the local economy.
Alberta’s government has invested $1.3 million through the program to support events in Calgary, Canmore, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and St. Albert across a wide range of sports, including climbing, triathlon, wrestling, curling, BMX, softball and taekwondo.
“Alberta continues to lead the way as a premier destination for major sport events, attracting top competitions, welcoming athletes and delivering real economic benefits for communities across our province. We are proud to support events that strengthen our reputation on the world stage while creating jobs and supporting local businesses.”
In the first half of 2026, seven supported events were successfully hosted in Alberta between February and May, attracting more than 103,000 athletes, coaches, officials and spectators from across Canada and around the world. These events generated significant tourism and economic activity for host communities while showcasing Alberta’s ability to deliver first-class competitions.
Looking ahead, five upcoming major events will take place through the summer. Together, all 12 supported events are projected to welcome more than 115,000 attendees and generate over $82 million in local economic activity.
“We are proud to host athletes from across North America. This event allows us to further develop the sport of competitive climbing in Edmonton and across Alberta. We love to see the excitement that a large-scale sport event generates in the community.”
Alberta communities will welcome five more events through the summer months, including the Edmonton Athletics Invitational, the World Triathlon Cup, the U17 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships in Calgary and the Canadian BMX Championships in St. Albert. These events are expected to attract more than 12,000 athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.
“Burson Global ranks Edmonton as Canada’s number one sports city, and these events bring athletes, families and fans here to experience it for themselves. Sporting events drive visitation, support local businesses and generate economic activity. Together, they directly impact Edmonton by creating a vibrant and connected city.”
The Major Sport Events grant program provides up to $250,000 per event to eligible hosting organizations. Funding can be used for venue rentals, infrastructure enhancements, marketing and promotion, broadcasting, and accommodations for athletes and attendees.
Applications for the next round of funding open in fall 2026. Event organizers interested in bringing major sport competitions to Alberta are encouraged to apply.
Quick facts
- Funding through this intake includes:
- Past events:
- Canada Open International Taekwondo Championships – Feb. 2026, Calgary
- BKT World Women’s Curling Championships – March 2026, Calgary
- Biathlon Nationals – March 2026, Canmore
- Canadian Wrestling Championships – April 2026, Grande Prairie
- Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships – May 2026, Calgary
- Canadian Open Judo Championships – May 2026, Calgary
- Karate Canada Junior National Championships – May 2026, Edmonton
- Upcoming events:
- North American Cup Series – June 26-28, 2026, Edmonton
- Edmonton Athletics Invitational – July 12, 2026, Edmonton
- World Triathlon Cup – July 16-19, 2026, Edmonton
- U17 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championships – July 29-Aug. 2, 2026, Calgary
- Canadian BMX Championships – Aug. 29-30, 2026, St. Albert
- Past events: