Special Olympics bocce athlete going for another goldBy ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 6, 2026. Special Olympics athlete Michael Baumgardt poses for a portrait in his official Team Alberta shirt.--News Photo Anna Smith Special Olympics athlete Michael Baumgardt poses for a portrait in his official Team Alberta shirt.--News Photo Anna SmithShare this story:Special Olympics athlete and bocce ball player Michael Baumgardt is feeling ready to demonstrate his skill on the field, but also on the dance floor. He is one of four members of Team Alberta representing not only the province but Medicine Hat next week during the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games’ bocce ball competition. Baumgardt, alongside his teammates, secured gold at the Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games in Grande Prairie back in 2025. The first division of the bocce ball event will start Aug. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Big Marble Go Centre.