Lethbridge City Council has approved $33,000 in funding to help host the 2026 Tae Kwon-Do International World Cup, an event expected to bring hundreds of visitors and significant economic activity to the city this summer. The competition will take place July 4–5, 2026, at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre, also known as the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre.
The event is being hosted by Legacy Tae Kwon-Do Schools and United Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Canada. Organizers expect more than 600 participants from over 20 countries, alongside approximately 400 spectators and 80 officials and volunteers. Master Darin Gibson, head instructor of Legacy Tae Kwon-Do Schools, noted that he considers the competition the crowning event of his 45-year journey in martial arts.
The city’s financial contribution will cover the budget gap for the $141,000 event, with the remaining $108,000 sourced from registration fees, ticket sales, and sponsorships. The funding was approved during a March 12, 2026, meeting of the Community Issues Committee and is provided through the Major Community Event Grant Budget under the city’s Major Community Event Hosting Policy CC55.
According to an analysis using the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model, the competition is projected to generate nearly $750,000 in direct community benefit. This estimate accounts for spending on local hotels, travel, food, and shopping. The Lethbridge Sport Council has expressed support for the event, noting it strengthens the local sport ecosystem.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, the event is expected to leave a lasting legacy for the community. Organizers stated that the competition will provide equipment, including weigh-in scales, score clocks, and competition mats, that will be available for future use in the city.
As of December 31, 2025, there was $210,000 in unallocated funding available within the grant budget, ensuring the city had the resources to support the hosting of this international tournament.
