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FORT McMURRAY — Fort McMurray swimmer Hunter Helberg is heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games after being named to Canada’s Paralympic swimming program for the international competition in Glasgow, Scotland.
Swimming Canada announced Helberg is among five additional athletes selected for Canada’s Paralympic program team competing at the Games, scheduled for July 23 to Aug. 2 at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
For Helberg, who trains with the Fort McMurray Mantas Swim Club, the selection marks another major step in an already impressive swimming career and places him among the country’s top Para athletes.
Helberg previously represented Canada at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where he competed across multiple disciplines. The Commonwealth Games will mark his first appearance at one of the world’s largest international multi-sport events.
The achievement is also being celebrated as a proud moment for Fort McMurray and the broader Wood Buffalo region, with local coaches and supporters praising the years of dedication required to reach the international stage.
“Hunter’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to the sport have earned this incredible opportunity to compete on the international stage while representing both Canada and Fort McMurray,” Fort McMurray Swim Club communication director Hitesh Bhatt said in a statement.
Swimming Canada described the newly added athletes as a mix of emerging talent and international experience who will strengthen Canada’s Paralympic swimming team heading into the Games.
“Each new athlete named to Team Canada strengthens an already impressive Para swimming program, bringing a powerful mix of experience, resilience, and competitive drive,” Kelly Laframboise, director of Team Canada 2026, said in a statement released by Swimming Canada.
The Commonwealth Games are considered one of the premier sporting events in the world, bringing together thousands of athletes from countries and territories across the Commonwealth every four years. Unlike many international competitions, the Games are also recognized for placing Para sport competition on equal footing with able-bodied events.
Glasgow 2026 is expected to welcome up to 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing across 10 sports during 11 days of competition.
For athletes like Helberg, simply earning a place on Team Canada represents years of training, sacrifice and competition against some of the country’s best swimmers. Selection to the national team is viewed as one of the highest honours in Canadian amateur sport, particularly in Paralympic competition where athletes must first prove themselves through national and international qualifying events.
Helberg’s selection now gives Fort McMurray another hometown athlete competing on the world stage while wearing the maple leaf.
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