Alberta Summer Games gives young athletes a taste of the Olympics

For many young athletes who have their eyes set on the Olympics some day,Leduc will be their first stop this week towards reachingthat dream.

The 2016 Alberta Summer Games will bring more than 3,000young athletesto thatcity, eagerto battle it out for the bronze, silver, and gold.

Ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old, theathleteswillcompetein 14 different sports, includingcycling, baseball, swimmingand beach volleyball.

Alberta Sport Connection spokeswoman SherriWilson saidthe number of athletes attending is almost equivalent to an Winter Olympic Games.

For many of these kids it is that big stepping stone that will take them on to the Canada Games, and eventually the Olympics.- SherriWilson, Alberta Sport Connection

"These kids get to do the same kind of things," Wilson said."They stay in an athletes' village, they eat in a food centre, they have to wear accreditation all the time. So it's kind of that exciting first step into that multi-sport games experince."

Participants earned their way to the games by qualifying atplayoffs held for each sport atvariouscommunities in Alberta.

"For many of these kids, it is that big stepping stone that will take them on to the Canada Games, and eventually the Olympics," Wilson said. "And for other kids, these are their Olympics, and they will have an amazing experience."

It took the city of Leduc almost two years to prepare for the games, and thousands of volunteers are in place to ensuretheyrunsmoothly.

The torch relay will beginat 10:30amon Thursday morning at the Leduc Chamber of Commerce. TheOpening Ceremonies will followat the Leduc Recreation Centre at 6:30 p.m.

The Alberta government provided $420,000 to support the games through Alberta Sports Connection, which includes a $70,000 cultural grant.

The Alberta Games generates up to $3 million dollars for the host city.

A full list of events is available on the games' website.