Your Guide to The GOOD Games in Calgary

Get Out, Out Do — that’s the meaning behind the “GOOD” acronym. The GOOD Games, which launched in Guelph in 2022, is more than a competition. It’s a festival that brings together athletes of all ages and all abilities for competition, paired with music, food and entertainment. It’s the definition of a family-friendly experience, so it’s natural that the first-ever winter edition will take place over the long Family Day Weekend.

• When and where are The GOOD Games? February 13-15, 2026, in the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.

• How much does it cost? Nothing. Attendance is totally free. Signing up to compete varies with prices ranging from $40 to $70 for adults, depending on the sport. Aspiring young arm wrestlers can take advantage of a low $10 entry fee.

• What’s the idea behind the games? People are doing too much sitting. In Canada, nearly half of adults don’t get enough movement. While it may be cold outside in February, the BMO Centre will transform into a hub of activity that gives everyone an opportunity to exercise.

• Who started the games? Retired Canadian soccer player Helen Stoumbos — who also scored the first-ever World Cup goal for Canada’s women’s team — is the visionary behind the festival.

• Where should I stay? If you’re traveling from out of town or you’re simply looking for a downtown staycation, The GOOD Games has negotiated exclusive rates at five hotels that offer a prime location for seeing more of the city and soaking in the magic of Chinook Blast. Browse room options here.

Participating as a competitor

Whether you’re competing your own or you’re planning to be part of the action with a partner, head to raceroster.com to create an account and sign up. Some sports like arm wrestling have pro and amateur divisions, so be mindful of your expertise level when enrolling. The goal isn’t just about winning, either. The GOOD Games aims to send everyone home feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally.

Cheering on as a spectator

You don’t have to do anything — just show up. The festival operates on a come-and-go model, giving you the ability to balance enjoying the action at the BMO Centre and exploring the rest of the city. If you’re interested in volunteering to help make the first edition in Calgary a success, reach out to The GOOD Games team at [email protected].

Friday: Grab a seat at the opening roundtable discussion on the power of sports featuring members of the Indigenous athletics community, a Special Olympian, 2010 Olympic Silver Medalist and Canadian curler Cheryl Bernard and Ryan Straschnitzki, a para-ice hockey advocate and survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

Saturday and Sunday: Throughout the weekend, you’ll get to cheer on competitors in nine sports:

• Pickleball

• Teqball

• Freestyle soccer

• Freestyle trampoline

• Wheelchair basketball

• Wheelchair rugby

• Arm wrestling

• Volleyball

• Arctic games

Who will be there?

Everyone — including you. The GOOD Games is one of the most inclusive experiences in sports, welcoming top-tier adult athletes, the young competitors who look up to them and every fan who wants a chance to be inspired. And if you’re a family looking for something to do during the hibernation period of mid-February, this is an opportunity to give your kids a reason to get out of the house.

What do the games mean for Calgary?

Even if you’ve never played pickleball, jumped freestyle trampoline or sunk a layup in a wheelchair basketball game, The GOOD Games translates to good news if you call Calgary home.

• Cementing the city’s status as a sports hub: After hosting major events like the Pacific Nations matchup between the Canada and U.S. men’s rugby teams and the National Judo Championships in 2025, Calgary will shine as a major sports destination with the Grey Cup. The GOOD Games are further proof that Calgary is the go-to choice for big-time competition.

• Building on the spirit of inclusivity: Calgary has earned a reputation as one of the friendliest cities in the world, and an all-ages, all-abilities festival will continue to distinguish our home as a place where everyone belongs.

• Bringing the international community here: When The GOOD Games takes over a stretch of Guelph each summer, the festival attracts participants from around the globe. Now, Calgary has a chance to show off what makes this city so special to crowds from other Canadian provinces and other corners of the world.

What should you do next?

 Mark your calendar. Tell your friends. Make your plans to make history as one of the fans at the first-ever GOOD Games Calgary. Head to the official website to sign up for the newsletter for the latest updates on the schedule.