Athletes ready for Milano-Cortina 2026

Forty-five Alberta-based athletes are set to compete for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, highlighting the province’s continued presence on the international sport stage.

Athletes from communities across Alberta will take part in events ranging from alpine skiing and curling to hockey, luge and Para Nordic, as the Olympic Games run from Feb. 6 to 22, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 6 to 15.

Alberta’s government says the athletes’ participation reflects years of dedication, preparation and investment in high-performance sport.

“Alberta is home to some of Canada’s most committed and high-achieving athletes, and we are thrilled to see them take their talents and commitment to the 2026 Winter Games,” Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said in a statement. “Their hard work, resilience and passion inspire us all. On behalf of Albertans, I wish them success in Italy.”

The province supports high-performance athletes through programs such as Podium Alberta, which provides financial assistance to help offset costs related to training, coaching, equipment and competition. The program distributes $750,000 annually to eligible Alberta-based athletes preparing for national and international competition.

In 2025, Podium Alberta supported 240 athletes across 40 sports.

Curling veteran Marc Kennedy, who will represent Canada in men’s curling, said the support has been instrumental throughout his career.

“I am so honoured and proud to represent my hometown of St. Albert and the province of Alberta at the Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy,” Kennedy said. “I am forever grateful for the support that Podium Alberta has provided me throughout my curling career.”

In addition to direct athlete funding, Alberta has invested in high-performance sport infrastructure. The Canmore Nordic Centre, a key training site for winter and Para sport athletes, recently underwent a $27.1-million expansion and modernization to support international competition, recreation and elite training.

Para Nordic athlete Mark Arendz, who is competing in his fifth Paralympic Winter Games, said Alberta-based training environments have played a critical role in his longevity.

“It is a privilege to be named to my fifth Paralympic Winter Games team, which speaks to the consistency of my training,” Arendz said. “The majority of that training occurs in Alberta, through investments like the Canmore Nordic Centre and supporting individual athletes through Podium Alberta.”

Freestyle skier Dylan Marineau said provincial support helped make his Olympic debut possible.

“Words cannot describe the excitement to finally make my dreams happen by paving my own path through sport while still being able to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” Marineau said. “Without the support from our province, getting to this point would have been much more difficult.”

During medal rounds of Olympic events, Albertans will be able to watch Team Canada at participating restaurants, bars and pubs offering extended liquor service, subject to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis guidelines.

Para Nordic athlete Derek Zaplotinsky said representing his hometown and country remains the ultimate goal.

“Competing on the world stage is a dream I’ve worked towards for years, and having the opportunity to represent my hometown and Canada is something I carry with immense pride,” he said.