Kelowna Marks ‘One Year Out’ With Celebration at Falcons Game
BC Summer Games returns to Kelowna in 2026, for the fourth time in its history
Kelowna, BC — Under the warm Okanagan sun at Elks Stadium on Sunday, local leaders, Games alumni, and baseball fans came together to mark a major milestone: exactly one year to go until Kelowna welcomes the province for the 2026 BC Summer Games.
Before the Kelowna Falcons took to the field, a short ceremony celebrated the official “One Year Out” countdown to the Games, which will see as many as 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials descend on the city next July.
The pre-game event was led by the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Board of Directors, with remarks from Mayor Tom Dyas, Games President, Devin Rubadeau, and Twyla Lindley, Director of Indigenous Engagement for the Games. All three spoke to the spirit of sport, the power of community, and the opportunities the Games bring to youth across the province.
Following the speeches, Mayor Dyas and Councillor Maxine DeHart received the BC Games flag. The handoff was followed by cheers from the crowd, and a well-aimed ceremonial first pitch from Rubadeau to officially start the night’s game.
A pop-up information booth at the stadium provided fans with details about the upcoming Games and how to get involved, including opportunities for the 2,500+ volunteers needed to help host the event. This will be the 34th BC Summer Games and the fourth time Kelowna has played host.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Games back to Kelowna,” said Rubadeau. “These Games are about more than competition. They’re about building confidence, leadership, and friendships that last far beyond the medal count.”
Set to take place over five days July 2026, the Games will include 19 sports, from athletics to wrestling, and will reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of sport in BC, including events for Special Olympics athletes, as well as para-swimming events.
With just one year to go, organizers say planning is ramping up, and Sunday’s celebration was just the beginning. For more information on the 2026 BC Summer Games and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.bcgames.org
PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the BC Games Board of Directors and BC Games alumni join Mayor Tom Dyas and Councillor Maxine DeHart on the field at Elks Stadium for the official “One Year Out” celebration for the 2026 BC Summer Games, coming to Kelowna next July.
Media Contact
Christina Skinner
Public Relations Chair, Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games pr@bcsummergames.ca
