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Aerial view of downtown Kelowna, BC, showing Okanagan Lake, City Park, the marina, and surrounding hills in summer

Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Launch Event Navigator and Final Call for Volunteers

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New online platform helps athletes, families, volunteers and spectators find schedules, venues and everything happening during the Games.

KELOWNA, B.C. — With the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games kicking off this week, excitement is building as more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials prepare to arrive in the Central Okanagan for British Columbia’s largest multi-sport event July 22-26.

To help everyone make the most of the Games, the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games have launched a new online Event Navigator, providing athletes, families, volunteers and spectators with a single place to find schedules, venues, activities and the latest Games information.

Whether you’re following a specific sport, planning your day or looking for what’s happening nearby, the Event Navigator makes it easier than ever to explore the Games and stay informed throughout the weekend.

The Event Navigator is available at map.bcgamesmail.org

QR Code for the Event Navigator

“As we welcome thousands of visitors to Kelowna, we want it to be easy for everyone to experience the Games,” said . “Whether you’re cheering on an athlete, volunteering behind the scenes, or attending one of the many competitions, the Event Navigator helps you find where you need to be and discover everything the Games has to offer.”

The Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games will feature competition in 19 sports across venues throughout the city and surrounding area, showcasing some of British Columbia’s top young athletes while bringing together thousands of participants, volunteers, and spectators.

Volunteers Still Needed

The Games are also making a final call for volunteers. While more than 1,800 community members have already signed up, additional volunteers are still needed in several key areas, including:

  • Logistics
  • Accommodation
  • Food Services
  • Marketing and Photography
  • Medals and Games Ambassadors

Whether you can volunteer for a single shift or throughout the Games, every role helps create an exceptional experience for athletes and their families.

Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to sign up today at https://bcgames.org/volunteer/.

About the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games

The Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games will take place July 22–26, bringing together more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials from across British Columbia to compete in 19 sports. Supported by more than 2,000 volunteers, the Games celebrate sport, community and the next generation of provincial athletes.

Media Contact

Christina Skinner
PR Chair
Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games
pr@bcsummergames.ca

Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com – Ken Hagen

A Message from Our President: Devin Rubadeau on the Road to Kelowna 2026

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As we count down to the 2026 BC Summer Games, President Devin Rubadeau shares his reflections on what this moment means for Kelowna, for the athletes who will compete, and for the community that’s coming together to make it happen.

Message from the President

It is a tremendous honour to serve as President of the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games.

The BC Summer Games represent so much more than competition. They are an opportunity to celebrate young athletes from across British Columbia, showcase the strength of our community, and create lasting memories for participants, families, volunteers, and visitors.

Kelowna is incredibly proud to welcome athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters to our region. With 19 sports taking place across the Central Okanagan, the Games will highlight not only athletic excellence, but also the dedication of volunteers, sport organizations, community partners, Indigenous partners, sponsors, and civic leaders who are helping bring this event to life.

As we move through the final countdown to the Games, I continue to be inspired by the people behind the scenes. From our Board of Directors and Directorate Chairs to the hundreds of volunteers already stepping forward, this event is being built by people who care deeply about youth, sport, community, and the power of shared experience.

The Games will leave a legacy that extends far beyond a few days of competition. For many athletes, this will be their first opportunity to compete on a provincial stage. For volunteers, it will be a chance to contribute to something meaningful. For Kelowna and the Central Okanagan, it is an opportunity to show the very best of who we are.

On behalf of the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Board of Directors, thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, expertise, and support. We are excited to welcome the province to Kelowna and to help create an unforgettable Games experience.

With gratitude,
Devin Rubadeau
President, Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games

What’s Next

Devin’s message says it best: this Games is being built by people who care. If you’re looking for a way to be part of it, we’d love to have you.

Get Involved! From venue crews to athlete services to ceremonies, there’s a role for almost everyone. Sign up to volunteer and be part of the team that brings the 2026 BC Summer Games to life.

Stay tuned for more countdown updates, athlete spotlights, and behind-the-scenes stories as we count down to the Games.

BC Summer Games Branding Gets the Spotlight — And It’s Worth a Watch

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The 2026 BC Summer Games are making headlines, and for good reason. Global BC recently featured a story on the students and volunteers behind the official artwork and branding for this year’s Games, and it’s a story worth hearing. If you haven’t seen it yet, we’d encourage you to take a few minutes to read the article and watch the video.

Read the full article and watch the video here.

Student Artists Showcasing Kelowna and the Okanagan

Photo: Okanagan College

The branding you’re starting to see pop up across Kelowna didn’t come from a big design firm. It was created by a talented group of students and volunteers from Okanagan College, right here in Kelowna. Drawing inspiration from the valley’s mountains, bridges, and that signature summer sun, the team poured months of work into building a visual identity that truly reflects this place.

The Global BC piece gives you a behind-the-scenes look at who these students are, what drove them, and what it felt like to see their work come to life in the community. It’s a genuinely heartwarming story about local talent and community pride.

The Games Are Almost Here

With the creative work complete, attention is now turning to what comes next: welcoming thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans to Kelowna this July. The BC Summer Games run July 22 to 26, 2026, and preparations are in full swing.

One of the biggest priorities right now is volunteer recruitment. The Games rely on the generosity of thousands of community members to make everything run, and there are still plenty of ways to get involved. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, now is a great time to take the next step.

Learn more about volunteering here or sign up to volunteer directly.

Be Part of It

Stories like the one Global BC shared are a good reminder of what makes the BC Summer Games so special. It’s not just the competition. It’s the community, the creativity, and the people who show up and give their time to create a special experience for young athletes across British Columbia.

We hope you’ll check out the feature, share it with someone who might be inspired by it, and consider being part of the Games this summer.

We’ll see you in Kelowna.

 

Cover Image: Cohan Sassaman, Global News

Five volunteers hold up freezies at the 2024 BC Summer Games

Join the BC Summer Games volunteer team at Family Fun Day 2026

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Families attending Family Fun Day Event 2026 at MNP Place in Kelowna are encouraged to visit the BC Summer Games station, where the focus is on introducing the community to the Games and raising awareness about volunteering opportunities. Hosted by the City of Kelowna on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., this is a free community event.

Register to Volunteer for the BC Summer Games 2026 in Kelowna.

Try Lacrosse and Learn About the Games

At the BC Summer Games station, kids can try lacrosse, one of the 19 sports that young athletes will compete in during the BC Summer Games, coming to Kelowna on July 22-26, 2026. The activity is designed to be fun, approachable, and open to all skill levels, giving families a small taste of the excitement the Games will bring to the community.

Raising Awareness About Volunteering at the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna

Hosting the BC Summer Games requires the support of more than 2,000 volunteers, and Family Day Fun is an early opportunity for community members to learn how they can get involved.

Families and individuals can speak with the BC Summer Games team, learn about different volunteer roles, and find out what volunteering looks like leading up to and during the Games, as well as register to volunteer. Opportunities range from sport support and event operations to welcoming visitors and supporting athletes from across the province.

A Simple Way to Get Involved

Family Fun Day is a relaxed, family-friendly event that makes it easy to connect with the community. Visiting the BC Summer Games station is a simple way to learn more about how to volunteer in Kelowna, support youth sports in BC, and be part of a major community celebration.

Join us at MNP Place on February 16 and help build excitement for BC Summer Games 2026 while learning how you can play a role as a volunteer in this milestone event for Kelowna BC!

Register to be a Volunteer at the BC Summer Games from July 22-26, 2026.

BC Games Society releases Core Sport Policy for 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games

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The BC Games Society has released the Core Sport Policy for the 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.

The Core Sport Policy outlines how sports are included in the BC Winter and BC Summer Games. It ensures the Games continue to reflect the BC Games Society’s commitment to athlete development, responsible sport delivery, and meaningful participation opportunities across British Columbia.

The Policy is grounded in the vision, mission, and values of the BC Games Society and is guided by five key principles: dedicated, accountable, collaborative, evolving, and excellence. These principles shape how decisions are made and how the policy is applied.

Sport organizations who are not currently part of the BC Games are invited to apply for inclusion by demonstrating how the Games would fit into their sport development plans and how the Games would be used as an integral part of athlete, coach, and officials’ development models. 

The application deadline for new sports is February 19, 2026, while the deadline for sports in the Games to apply for major changes is detailed in the Core Sport Timeline with different timing for winter and summer sports.

Existing sports in the BC Winter or BC Summer Games do not need to re-apply, but do go through a post-Games evaluation process as per the Core Sport criteria.

For details, refer to the following documents:

Questions about the Core Sport application process can be directed to coresport@bcgames.org.

About the BC Games Society

Established in 1977 by the B.C. Government under the Societies Act, the BC Games Society (the Society) oversees the BC Winter Games and BC Summer Games. The Society also supports the participation of Team BC, the provincial team competing at Canada Games, in national multi-sport Games. Each of these Games provide opportunities for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition. For host communities, the Games provide the chance to build or enhance their capacity to attract and deliver major events. Team BC’s Mission Staff are able to develop and enhance competencies such as leadership, teamwork, time management and organizational skills. BC Games also provide important economic and tourism benefits, allowing hosts to profile their communities and benefit from an economic impact in the range of $1.6 million to $2 million. The legacies of the BC Winter and BC Summer Games allow for capacity building in communities across the province resulting in a stronger British Columbia.

Kelowna Marks ‘One Year Out’ With Celebration at Falcons Game

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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

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Territory Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People, also known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and recognize that our work in this province spans the territories of more than 200 First Nations, as well as Métis and Inuit communities.

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