Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The best track and field athletes from around the world will hit the ground running at the Edmonton Athletics Invitational.
Olympic-level athletes, coaches and officials will take to the track at the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 13. With athletes from 15 countries travelling to Edmonton’s Foote Field, the invitational is expected to bring more than 3,000 spectators and generate about $1.1 million for Edmonton’s economy as participants book hotels, shop and dine at local businesses and restaurants.
Through the Major Sport Event grant program, Alberta’s government is supporting the Edmonton Athletics Invitational with $150,000 in funding. This grant program provides financial assistance to support organizations in planning and hosting national and international sporting events in Alberta. Hosting major sporting events like these helps highlight Alberta’s reputation as a premier destination for major sport events.
“I’m thrilled to welcome athletes from Alberta, across Canada and around the world to the Edmonton Athletics Invitational. Hosting this event in our backyard offers Albertans a chance to see elite competition up close. I will be cheering on our Albertan athletes as they pursue success on the World Athletics Silver Continental Tour.”Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport
The Edmonton Athletics Invitational is the 34th stop on the World Athletics Silver Continental Tour, providing athletes with an opportunity to earn World Athletics ranking points and increased visibility. Sherwood Park’s Amanda Rummery, a Podium Alberta grant recipient, and Calgary’s Noah Vucsics – who performed at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships and won silver in the men’s T20 long jump, setting a new Canadian record – will be among the 13 Albertan athletes competing.
Other competitors include athletes from countries around the globe such as the United States, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Ukraine.
“We are very proud and honoured to be part of this athlete experience and to continue the rich legacy of track and field events in Edmonton. This is very exciting for the city and the Athletics community, and it showcases Alberta as a premier sporting event host in Canada. We appreciate the support from Minister Boitchenko and the MSE program.”Jef Bailey, executive director, Athletics Alberta
