Strathmore honours Kruse and Bittorf after national medal wins

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two Strathmore athletes were welcomed to council chambers Oct. 14 to receive recognition for their medal-winning performances at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

Swimmer Casey Kruse and golfer Emma Bittorf were presented with certificates of achievement at the opening of the committee of the whole meeting, following their success in Medicine Hat in August.

Kruse brought home five gold medals, one silver and two bronze, according to the town’s published meeting highlights. Bittorf earned a silver medal in golf.

“These women have positively represented the community of Strathmore on the national stage and council is very proud of them,” Mayor Fule said.

Both athletes attended the presentation and were invited to join council for a photograph after receiving their certificates.

Fule offered another round of congratulations before council moved into the evening’s regular agenda, recognizing the pair’s outstanding performance at the national competition.