Two longtime members of the Altona Panthers track and field club are set to represent Manitoba at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, bringing local support and a year of steady preparation to the national stage.
Curtis Loewen and Candy Neustaeter earned spots on Team Manitoba after strong showings at the Manitoba Provincial Summer Games and will compete in Medicine Hat, Alta., when the national competition runs from Aug. 8 to 16, 2026. Competition takes place following opening ceremonies.
Events and ambitions
Neustaeter will take part in the 100 metres, the standing long jump and the mini javelin. Loewen’s program includes the 100 metres, 200 metres, the long jump and shot put. While both athletes say they will push for strong performances, their emphasis is as much on connection and enjoyment as on medals.
"If I go out there, have fun, meet friends, meet new people, that's what it's really all about to me,"
"It doesn't matter if I come first. I'm just there to have fun,"
Those are the words of Neustaeter and Loewen respectively, reflecting the ethos of the Special Olympics movement: competition paired with community and personal development.
Preparation and coaching
The two athletes spent the past year preparing with weekly sessions in Altona and Winnipeg, balancing general fitness with event-specific training. Under the guidance of Altona Panthers coach Jason Hildebrandt and Team Manitoba coaches, their regimen included running, jumping, strength work and cycling.
- Running and sprint technique
- Jumping and take-off drills
- Strength training and conditioning
- Event-specific practise for javelin, shot put and long jump
The athletes’ routine shows how community clubs can prepare competitors for higher levels of sport without losing sight of accessibility and inclusion.
Selection beyond podiums
Neustaeter noted that selection to Team Manitoba considered more than placements on race day. "There are many things they look at besides just always winning," she said, citing sportsmanship, independence and teamwork as factors selectors weighed when naming the provincial squad.
Loewen qualified for the provincial team after winning five medals at last summer’s provincial games, a performance that helped secure his national berth.
What this means for Altona
The two athletes are part of a small but active athletics community in southern Manitoba. Their progression from local club athletes to provincial representatives demonstrates the role community sport plays in offering pathways for people with intellectual disabilities to compete provincially and nationally.
For family members, coaches and neighbours, the trip to Medicine Hat will be an opportunity to celebrate months of dedication. The athletes said meeting peers from across Canada and making new friends are among their top priorities — sometimes even above podium finishes.
Quick facts
| Athlete | Events |
|---|---|
| Candy Neustaeter | 100 m, Standing Long Jump, Mini Javelin |
| Curtis Loewen | 100 m, 200 m, Long Jump, Shot Put |
Both athletes described personal improvement — such as setting a personal best — as equally rewarding to medal-winning. That mindset is common in Special Olympics athletes, who often measure success across multiple dimensions including fitness, confidence and social connection.
As they depart for Medicine Hat, the Altona Panthers, local supporters and the wider community will watch and cheer for both the results on the scoreboard and the friendships formed off it.
Coverage of Team Manitoba at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will follow as events progress.
