Kara Brake Named Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026 Manager
MEDICINE HAT – The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026 has its first staff member, and she’s already building momentum towards one of the city’s biggest ever sporting events.
Kara Brake was hired as the Games Manager in September by the Games Operating Committee local board of directors, and says she feels honoured to be part of the Aug. 11-15, 2026 event.
“Medicine Hat has been waiting many years to host this prestigious event and I feel so blessed that the board of directors and Special Olympics Canada have chosen me to lead the Games’ staff. We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next two years from fundraising, to solidifying contracts with community partners, to finding the 1,200 volunteers that we will require to put on these National Games,” said Brake, who’s had high-profile roles on numerous other multi-sport games in the past. “Our community has always been so supportive of events like this and I’m looking forward to showcasing our city to visitors from across the country. ”
"Special Olympics Canada Summer Games are a celebration of inclusion, sport, and community, and we are thrilled to see Kara Brake stepping into this important leadership role," said Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada. "With her well-established expertise and deep ties to Medicine Hat, Kara is uniquely positioned to help create an unforgettable Games experience that will unite the community and inspire athletes, volunteers, families, and fans from coast to coast to coast."
Brake has an extensive background in event planning and management. Her previous roles include Games Manager for the 2016 Alberta Winter Games, Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games 2017, Manager of the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council, and most recently as the Business & Innovation Coordinator with the City of Medicine Hat. Brake has also volunteered on many committees within the community including the 2019 55+ Alberta Summer Games, 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, and annual Southern Alberta Summer Games.
Working with 15 directors, Brake’s early work has focused on getting administration set up and undertaking some of the tasks that need to get sorted out before more than 1,700 athletes and support staff come to southern Alberta in less than two years’ time.
Corporate fundraising efforts are already underway, venues are being confirmed, and a new website is being built. These are but a few of the work happening behind the scenes, and activities will ramp up as the Games get closer.
“It might seem like a long time, but we have a lot to do in the next 21 months,” said Brake. “We learned a lot from the recent Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary. I’m excited for our community to welcome the athletes, coaches, officials and VIPs. These Games will create an inclusive and memorable experience for all participants, ignite Medicine Hat’s community spirit, and leave a lifetime legacy for those with intellectual disabilities. ”
Brake is working out of an office at Co-op Place which will serve as the 2026 Games’ headquarters. Another full-time position will be posted shortly; Communications & Games Experience, who will be expected to join her team in early 2025.
For more information or to schedule an interview, Kara Brake can be reached at 403-529-8345 / kara.brake@socmedhat2026.ca
2024-03-02
