August 11, 2026
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What a pleasure it is to be with you this evening on my very first visit to Medicine Hat!
I look forward to seeing the competitions over the next few days and to meet all of you.
Before we begin, I want to acknowledge the thousands of people in neighbouring British Columbia who have been forced from their homes by the devastating wildfires. To the athletes, coaches and families here today from British Columbia—and to everyone whose community has been affected across the country -- Canadians are thinking of you and standing with you.
And now, as we come together to open these Games, I want to turn to the remarkable participants at the heart of this celebration.
Athletes: I know you have some incredible moments in store for us!
In the course of my work, I have the opportunity to appreciate excellence in all its forms, and I admire the way all of you shine in your disciplines.
I also admire how you embody some of the very best qualities of the human spirit: confidence, resilience and courage.
How many of you, through Special Olympics, have discovered talents they never knew they had? How many have gained confidence and independence?
How many have learned to enjoy the benefits of leading active lives, surrounded by friends and supported by their community?
And how many are now giving back as volunteers, mentors and leaders?
Sport does much more than making us stronger physically.
Sport teaches us the simple pleasure of being active and the pride of achievement. It inspires us to aim higher.
Sometimes, all it takes is a dream, a belief in what’s possible, a willingness to try—and maybe one person who sees your potential.
This evening, I would like to take a moment to honour the memory of someone who did exactly that: Dr. Frank Hayden, the founding visionary of the Special Olympics movement, whom we sadly lost recently.
A proud Canadian from Windsor, Ontario, Dr. Hayden was among the first to demonstrate that people with intellectual disabilities could thrive through sport and physical activity.
Where others saw limitations, Dr. Hayden saw opportunity.
Today, Special Olympics transform millions of lives around the world. But Special Olympics is about more than a sport. It is also a human rights movement.
A movement that reminds us that everyone has the right to participate, stay healthy and reach their full potential.
Of course, it takes a huge team to organize an event like this, and a big part of that team is made up of volunteers.
I want to thank the coaches, volunteers, family members and supporters, whose incredible dedication makes these games possible.
Thank you for your encouragement, generosity and unwavering belief in these inspiring athletes.
Thank you all, and best of luck to all our wonderful athletes!