Special Olympics Grande Prairie 1.0

This morning was an early morning for our Grande Prairie athletes, but smiles and excitement still filled the air!
Their journey to the 2026 Special Olympics Canada National Games has officially begun…headed to Calgary this morning, then off to Medicine Hat!

Good luck…and HAVE FUN!

Today is that day, We have 5 local athletes heading off to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Medicine Hat during this coming week, August 11-15.

We know they will represent Grande Prairie (and Alberta) by putting their best foot forward and doing their best every step of the way!

They are all excited for the wonderful opportunities which lay ahead, along with having family and friends cheering them on, making NEW friends, and of course the socializing (and hopefully dancing at some point)

Many of our attending athletes have competed at the National level in previous years…let’s wish them luck and hope for their chance to proceed to compete at the 2027 Special Olympics Worlds Games being hosted in Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱

Good luck to ALL our local athletes, we are very proud of your accomplishments and cheering for you all!

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Special Olympics Grande Prairie (SOGP) is looking to immediately fill a volunteer position locally.
Position: Treasurer
Reports to: Chairperson
Time Commitment: Slow periods 10 Hours a month – Busy Periods 20 Hours a month

1 year term (no limit to the number of terms; appointment of members must occur annually by September 30, as determined by policy)
Key responsibilities;
➢ The Treasurer is responsible for the management of the financial affairs of SOGP but are not limited Affiliate ensuring that they adhere to all Special Olympics AB and Special Olympics Canada financial policies as well as all Provincial and Federal laws.
➢ The Treasurer must also maintain all bank accounts, back-up documentation, bank reconciliations, receipt and expenditure journals, and a general ledger. This material must be made available for review by those authorized by the Provincial Office at any time such a review is requested.

Other responsibilities Include but are not limited to
➢ Keep financial records including up-to-date financial accounting and ensuring books are balanced
➢ Develop, with the SOGP Board the annual budget for fiscal year July 1 - June 30
➢ File fiscal year financial statements by September 30 annually
➢ Complete GST Rebate applications and submit to the Provincial Office by September 30
➢ Complete interim reports, including summary of revenues, expenses and copies of bank statements, to the provincial office quarterly in accordance with Affiliate Accreditation Standards
➢ Handle daily financial transactions of the Affiliate including making deposits and writing cheques
➢ Track bank balances, donations and submit tax receipt requests to Provincial Office
➢ Communicate with all committee members on financial status
➢ Grant reporting
➢ Ensure that President & CEO is listed as signing authority and has access to bank account activity
➢ Report to AMC on the financial status of the Affiliate at meetings

Skills & Experience
Basic bookkeeping/accounting/skills – Use of Quick Books Accounting Program
Basic administration skills
Include but are not limited
Previous accounting experience an asset to

Access and capacity to an electronic environment
All volunteers in authoritative positions will be required to undergo a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Collection, use and retention of personal information will be in accordance with Special Olympic Alberta's privacy.

On behalf of our athletes, thank you for your consideration.

Interested applicants can contact Maxx Bouchard, Chair via email
[email protected]

We are excited to invite you to participate in the 3rd Annual Touch-a-Truck Event in support of Special Olympics Grande Prairie.
Over the past two years, this event has become a much-loved community experience while raising vital funds for local athletes. Thanks to the generosity of participating businesses and community members, we have proudly raised more than $15,000 to date for Special Olympics Grande Prairie (the money raised helps to keep costs down for local athletes who want to participate in multiple sports, and to purchase needed equipment for sporting needs)

This year’s event will take place on:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Bonnet’s Energy Centre

We are looking for companies willing to bring large vehicles or equipment for children and families to explore. Popular vehicles include construction equipment, emergency vehicles, transport trucks, utility vehicles, farm equipment, tow trucks, and other specialty machinery.
Participating crews would be asked to:
Arrive between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM for setup (confirmed times will be sent out once all vendors are confirmed).
Remain on site during the event to help children safely climb onto and explore the equipment
Interact with attendees by demonstrating how the vehicles work — including the always-popular opportunity to honk the horns

This event offers families a hands-on opportunity to learn about the vehicles and businesses that help keep our community running every day. Community members attending the event will sign a liability waiver upon entry, and Special Olympics athletes will also be on site assisting throughout the day.
Your participation would help create an unforgettable experience for local families while directly supporting athletes in our community. We would be honoured to have you join us for this special event.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact: Lisa Kerkhof, [email protected] 780-978-4851.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support Special Olympics Grande Prairie and our local community. We hope to see you at this year’s Touch-a-Truck event.

On Behalf of all SOGP Athletes, Coaches & Volunteers
Good Luck to everyone involved with Archie Harvey Memorial Golf Tournament.

Bocce Ball CANCELLED tonight
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Due to night temperatures and air quality

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Kevin Shinn, Jeremy Thiessen, Johanne Leman, Steve Grandjambe, Buffie Wilmot-Hanes