From Wednesday to Monday, Calgary is set to host over 2,000 of the nation’s top young softball athletes.
The 2026 U17 Women’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship will be hosted at Shouldice Athletic Park and is set to generate more than $2.3 million in local economic activity, according to a Government of Alberta-issued release.
“To support the championship, Alberta’s government is providing more than $34,000 to All-Star Girls Fastpitch Association through the Major Sport Events (MSE) grant program,” the release reads.
“This grant program provides financial assistance to support organizations in planning and hosting national and international sporting events in Alberta. Hosting major sporting events like these helps highlight Alberta’s reputation as a premier destination for major sport events.”
Minister of Tourism and Sport, Andrew Boitchenko, said that Alberta is proud to support events that give young athletes the opportunity to develop their skills, compete at a high level and pursue their goals in sport.
“Hosting national championships like this strengthens our communities, supports local businesses and reinforces Alberta’s reputation as a premier destination for major sports events,” he said in a statement.
Alberta has hosted the U17 Women’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship four times over the past 25 years. Calgary is also set to host the U19 Women’s Championships from Aug. 5-9 and the U15 Women’s Championships from Aug 11-15 in 2027.
