Ready, Set, Games – Greater Vernon is Ready!
Around 900 of the province’s top young athletes are arriving in Greater Vernon for the opening of the BC Winter Games and the chance to compete in 15 sports.
“From Prince George to Kelowna, the BC Winter Games participants represent 122 communities from all corners of the province,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These Games bring people together and strengthen community connections, while also generating significant benefits to local businesses. Our government is proud to continue to support the BC Games Society, and we are committed to encouraging B.C. athletes on their journey from the playing field to the podium, or wherever they go next”.
The 2022 BC Winter Games, a provincial celebration of sport and community development, will be held from March 23 to 26, 2023, in Greater Vernon, situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. The Games were originally scheduled to take place in February of 2022 before organizers decided to postpone to 2023 due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding and wildfires in many parts of the province. The official name of the event remains the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games.
“This event is the culmination of years of hard work from the host community and our participants,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The BC Games represent a chance to bring the province together in a celebration of sport and community development and the effects will be felt in Greater Vernon for years to come.”
The 895 athletes are set to compete in 15 different sports and will be supported by over 300 coaches and 140 officials, who ensure participants have the best possible experience at the Games. The Games are set to have a positive and lasting impact on Greater Vernon. The extended community has come together with the strength of over 1,400 volunteers helping to put on the Games.
“We are ready and thrilled to be welcoming BC’s top athletes, coaches and officials to Greater Vernon,” said Nicky Dunlop, President of the Greater Vernon BC Winter Games. “The way that our community has rallied around these Games to deliver an exceptional experience for the athletes has been amazing, and we can’t wait to kick off this celebration of sport.”
The BC Winter and BC Summer Games were established in 1978 to bring young people around B.C. together through sport and friendship. BC Games participants who have gone on to compete for Team Canada at the Olympic or Paralympic Games include: Micah Zandee-Hart (Ice Hockey); Mollie Jepsen (Para Alpine Skiing); Natalie Wilkie (Para Nordic Skiing); Bo Hedges (Wheelchair Basketball); Meryeta O’Dine (Snowboardcross); Julia Grosso (Soccer); and Brent Hayden (Swimming).
Key Dates for the BC Winter Games
Opening Ceremony: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23 – Kal Tire PlaceDoors open at 5:30 with the ceremony starting at 7:00 pm. Come early to get a good seat, enjoy entertainment and concession, and the opportunity to purchase Games merchandise.
Competitions: Friday, March 24 until noon Sunday, March 26
Learn More: For more information about the BC Winter Games, visit: www.bcgames.org
For more information about the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries- organizations/ministries/tourism-arts-culture
Media Contact:
David Conlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@archive2.bcgames.org
