Special Olympics Grande Prairie is calling on community members and businesses to support its upcoming annual Pub Night Fundraiser. The event, which takes place on April 18 at Jackpot Grill & Events Center, is a key opportunity for locals to contribute to year-round sports programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The fundraiser will feature entertainment by the local country rock band TJ Ruckus and youth-focused organization Hard 8 Roughstock Rodeo Productions. Proceeds from the evening go toward purchasing sports equipment and supporting local athletes as they prepare to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat.
The local chapter offers a variety of sports including bowling, athletics, curling, floor hockey, basketball, swimming, golf, powerlifting, and soccer. The need for continued support follows a busy year for the organization, which helped the City of Grande Prairie host the 2025 Special Olympics Alberta Provincial Summer Games in July. That event drew more than 1,000 athletes to the region, and the city provided a legacy donation to the local chapter this past January to honour the event’s success.
Those interested in sponsoring the fundraiser or purchasing tickets can contact Liz Smashnuk, the fundraising coordinator for Special Olympics Grande Prairie, at 780-814-1493 or via email at fundraising.sogp@gmail.com.
