Kickoff Party marks one-year countdown to Summer Games

The countdown to the 2023 Alberta Summer Games is now underway. 

Games organizers are holding a Kickoff Party at Bill Robertson Park on Saturday, July 23 to mark one year until Okotoks and Black Diamond play host to the bi-annual sporting spectacle. 

Lee Kennedy, chair of promotional projects for the Games, is encouraging members of the public to take part in the festivities that will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kennedy said representatives from many of the 14 sports being contested at the Games will be on hand so people can not only learn more about each of the sports, but also give them a try. 

The Kickoff Party will also include a DJ, food trucks, face painting, crafts, cookies, a raffle and an information table on how to get involved in the Games, either as a volunteer or sponsor. A formal ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. 

“Because the Games are July 20 to 23 next year, that's why we picked the Saturday, July 23rd date,” said Kennedy. “It's the one-year kick-off to get the Games launched in our community.” 

Games manager Marica Borovich-Law said a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes from an organization and venue standpoint since Okotoks and Black Diamond were selected to host the Games, but now is the time to ramp up community awareness. 

Kennedy said they set up a booth at Seaman Stadium during a couple of recent Okotoks Dawgs games in a bid to spread the word. 

“It was actually quite interesting the number of people who weren’t aware the Games are coming to the area,” she said. “So it was good to get the word out.” 

The Alberta Summer Games sees over 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials descend on the host community for four days, so getting prepared for that influx is a massive undertaking that’s being overseen by a 14-member board of directors led by former Okotoks mayor Sandi Kennedy. 

The board, with the support of 71 chairs and as many as 1,800 volunteers, is tasked with housing, feeding, transporting and entertaining all the competitors, who will range in age from 11 to 17. 

With inflation playing havoc with the original food and gas budgets, organizers must raise well north of $1 million to stage the Games, so they’re actively looking for sponsors as well as cash and in-kind donations. 

“Fundraising is huge,” said Sandi Kennedy. “We can’t do this without the community stepping up.” 

She said the Town has been a huge supporter, including providing free use of its facilities. 

“The Town has been extremely good to us,” Sandi Kennedy said. 

Before the torch relay can culminate at Seaman Stadium for the opening ceremony next July, organizers have much work ahead of them, but are confident the people of Okotoks and Black Diamond will step up to the plate. 

Those looking to get involved can follow 2023 Alberta Summer Games on Facebook and Instagram or connect through the website, 2023asg.com, when it goes live on July 23. People can also email Borovich-Law at [email protected].