Alpine Skiing Showcases Skill and Spirit at Red Mountain

By Erin Baker

Racers took to the Giant Slalom course at Red Mountain Resort under partly cloudy skies and good visibility for Friday’s BC Winter Games competition. Snow conditions varied across the course, offering both soft, carvable sections in the sun and more technical, shaded areas that demanded precision. As the day progressed and ruts developed, athletes rose to the challenge — adapting their lines and adjusting their approach with determination.

A key delay before the T-Bar slope tested racers’ focus, but the course crew volunteers worked efficiently between runs to maintain a safe, competitive surface. Their quick efforts kept the race moving smoothly and ensured athletes could push their limits with confidence.

Among the local competitors, Aspen Steen and Ira Laurie-Pouloit of Red Mountain Racers embraced both the competition and the experience. Aspen relied on positive self-talk and trust in her skis to navigate the shifting conditions, finishing 17th overall after sitting 14th following her first run. Ira focused on strong technical cues — especially maintaining pressure on his outside ski — and delivered an impressive 7th-place finish.

“BC Games means meeting new people and having fun, I’m not really here to win,” Ira shared, reflecting the heart of the event. Throughout the day, team jackets lined the hill, racers laughed between runs, and supporters cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines. Backed by nearly 90 dedicated volunteers who began preparations well before race day, the Giant Slalom was a true celebration of resilience, community, and mountain spirit.

Karate Referees Bring Experience and Curiosity

By Caleb Reid

At the Stanley Humphrey venue, the focus wasn’t only on competition, but also on the officials guiding it. Senior referee Chris Wilkinson has dedicated 40 years to karate, a journey that began when his parents offered him a choice between hockey and martial arts. He chose karate — and never looked back. Now, he continues to advance his craft with the goal of earning his PKF license.

Wilkinson believes officiating requires more than rule knowledge. His advice: “Be curious, not judgemental.” That mindset shapes how he approaches athletes and competition alike.

Junior referee Santiago represents the next generation of officials. Signed up for karate at just three years old, he has stayed committed ever since. As a referee, he explains, vigilance is key — staying alert to ensure fairness and safety in every match.

Together, the referees reflect the dedication and continuity within the sport, blending decades of experience with youthful commitment to support athletes at the BC Winter Games.

More Than Medals at the Biathlon Range

By Karlie Shaughnessy

Under winter skies at the Black Jack Ski Club Biathlon Range at Hanna Creek, young athletes tested their endurance and focus in Friday’s competition. Combining cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship, biathlon demands both stamina and composure — and competitors rose to the occasion.

In the girls’ race, Maisie Hoehn of Prince George (Zone 8) captured gold in 16:05.87. “It’s been a great experience meeting new people,” she said, noting she would gladly return to compete in the area. Silver went to Nara Bird of Kimberley (Zone 1), while Mika Verstragte (Zone 2) claimed bronze.

In the boys’ competition, Marcus Par of Kelowna (Zone 2) earned gold with a time of 14:52.05. Emphasizing the experience over results, he encouraged future athletes to “enjoy the moment.” Spencer Burkholder (Zone 5) and Leo Markson (Zone 2) rounded out the podium.

Across both divisions, athletes spoke of friendships formed and pride in representing their zones — reminders that the Games are about connection as much as competition.

Sprint Racing Brings Speed and Resilience to Black Jack

By Ed Garlinge

The atmosphere at Black Jack Ski Club was electric as the skate sprint event delivered thrilling side-by-side racing. Athletes edged around corners and fought for position with focus and determination, creating an action-packed day on the snow.

Amelia Legut-Peterson of Caledonia Nordic (Zone 8) said the most rewarding part was “meeting new friends and just hanging out.” She candidly described the mental challenge of being passed mid-race, highlighting the resilience required in sprint competition.

Coach Scott Comeau of Hollyburn Ski Club (Zone 5) emphasized the unpredictability of sprinting, where broken poles or sudden falls can change everything. “You’ve just got to get back up and keep going,” he said. Hollyburn athletes Luca Zimmerman and Owen Elliott echoed that perseverance is key.

Beyond the speed and strategy, what stood out most was the camaraderie — athletes bonding through shared challenges and celebrating one another’s efforts long after crossing the finish line.

Hometown Gold Headlines Free Technique Sprint

By Karlie Shaughnessy

Fast skis and tight finishes defined the Free Technique 400m Sprint at Black Jack Ski Club, but one victory carried special meaning. Fourteen-year-old Emily Olineck of Rossland (Zone 1) captured gold in the 2011 Girls category on her home trails.

“Fun, hard and exciting,” she said of her race, adding that representing Rossland at a hometown Games made it especially meaningful. Teammate Mika Saban earned bronze, while Zetta Vines (Zone 5) took silver.

Strong performances continued across categories, with standout finishes from Zones 1, 2, and 5. In the 2012 Boys final, Mateo Colvin of Revelstoke (Zone 2) secured silver, later sharing that the day was about “having fun with friends and meeting new people.” His mother, Julie Matteau, described watching him podium as “pure pride.”

The sprint finals showcased not only speed and precision, but sportsmanship and gratitude — athletes thanking parents and volunteers who made the day possible.

Leadership and Team Spirit Shine in Artistic Gymnastics

By Kai Markin

The RSS gymnasium buzzed with excitement as Women’s Artistic Gymnastics concluded with medal presentations. Before podium honours, three athletes received the BC Games Leadership Bursary, presented by BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Anne Kang. The $500 award recognizes excellence in academics, sport, and community leadership.

Level 7 all-around medals were awarded to Leah Takaoka (Zone 4, bronze), Nicole Matus (Zone 5, silver), and Linnea Jones (Zone 6, gold). In Level 8 and overall team standings, Zone 4 claimed gold, Zone 5 silver, and Zone 6 bronze.

The ceremony celebrated not only athletic achievement but dedication beyond the gym floor — leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to growth in sport and community.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Opens with Artistry and Energy

By Sam Auger

Day one of rhythmic gymnastics at Glenmerry Elementary showcased creativity, precision, and vibrant performances. Sparkling costumes and colourful routines filled the floor as athletes from Zones 2, 3, 5, and 6 demonstrated flexibility and poise.

Individual routines without apparatus highlighted technical skill and expressive performance quality. Later, group routines incorporated balls and hoops, demanding synchronization and teamwork.

Keke Lau shared that her favourite part of the sport is “the artistry, routines, and costumes,” a sentiment reflected in the enthusiastic performances throughout the afternoon.

With strong showings across all zones, the event set an exciting tone for the remainder of the competition.

Energy and Banana Suits at the Curling Club

By Kailey Reinhard

The stands at the Trail Curling Club were packed as Men’s and Women’s teams competed in high-energy matchups. Shouts of “hard!” and “whoa!” echoed across the ice as sweepers brushed intensely and skips directed strategy.

Adding flair to the atmosphere were four fathers from Chilliwack dressed in bright yellow banana suits — a playful nod to the curling term “peel.” Their spirited support brought smiles while underscoring the strong community behind the athletes.

On the ice, Zone 6 teams dominated early, securing decisive wins of 12–0 (men) and 17–0 (women) over Zone 7. Meanwhile, Zones 2 and 3 battled through tighter contests, with late-game heroics deciding outcomes. Even in defeat, teams remained positive, already looking ahead to their next opportunity for gold.

Grace and Grit at Beaver Valley Arena

By Kailey Reinhard

Sequins sparkled and blades carved clean lines into the ice at Beaver Valley Arena during Friday’s figure skating events. Crowds of family and friends filled the stands as athletes prepared during six-minute warm-ups, fine-tuning jumps and spins.

In the Prenovice Women’s Short Program, Alexis Chan (Zone 4) delivered a poised and confident performance to claim first place. Though a few falls occurred, skaters demonstrated resilience, quickly rising and continuing their routines.

The Prenovice Men’s event saw Charles Prothero-Brooks earn top honours with a smooth, confident skate, while Kevin Liu energized the arena with expressive choreography. The Juvenile Men’s Freeskate capped the day with storytelling and athleticism beyond the athletes’ years.

From glittering costumes to emotional performances, the event blended grace and grit — leaving the audience applauding long after the final pose.

Artistic Gymnastics Competition Ready to Launch

By Kai Markin
JL Crowe Secondary Student

The gymnasium at Rossland Summit School has been transformed into a gymnast’s paradise for the 2026 BC Winter Games. Tumbling mats, pommel horses and a towering high bar now fill the space beneath the Canadian and B.C. flags, as artistic gymnasts took to the floor for training.

Despite the impressive skills on display, the atmosphere remained calm and focused. Other gymnasts observed from the bleachers, mentally preparing for their own sessions. “These training times are super important,” said North West Zone 7 Coach Dakota McNeil. “They give the athletes a chance to feel the environment they’ll be competing in — and we want them hyped for tomorrow.”

With competition set to begin Friday, the stage is set for an exciting start in artistic gymnastics.

Early Morning Focus Sets the Tone for Men’s Curling

By Kailey Reinhard
JL Crowe Secondary Student

At the Trail Curling Arena, men’s teams began their Games experience with early morning practice and preparation. Dressed in bright zone colours, athletes reviewed strategy before officials conducted mandatory broom inspections to ensure fairness and standardized equipment.

Once on the ice, players warmed up with controlled slides and takeoffs, filling the arena with the sound of gliding stones and coaches’ instructions. Off the ice, teams chatted easily — competitors united by their shared love of the sport.

The atmosphere blended focus and friendship, setting the tone for competition.

Ringette Delivers High-Scoring Action and a Nail-Biter Finish

By Erin Baker
JL Crowe Secondary Student

Ringette action at Rossland Arena opened with a commanding 8–1 victory for Vancouver Coastal Zone 5 over Vancouver Island Central Coast Zone 6. Zone 5 set the pace early, building a 6–0 lead through patient passing and strong offensive pressure. Zone 6 responded in the second half, highlighted by standout saves from their goalie and an enthusiastic crowd that kept the energy high.

Later in the day, fans witnessed a thrilling showdown between Fraser River Zone 4 and Vancouver Coastal Zone 5. After multiple lead changes and relentless back-and-forth play, Zone 4 secured a dramatic 5–4 victory with just 11.5 seconds remaining.

The day showcased teamwork, perseverance and a crowd that celebrated every strong play as loudly as each goal.

Wheelchair Basketball Opens with Intensity and Perspective

By Sam Auger
JL Crowe Secondary Student

Wheelchair basketball tipped off at JL Crowe Gym with an intense matchup between Thompson-Okanagan Zone 2 and Fraser Valley Zone 3. Thompson-Okanagan gained momentum in the second period, but Fraser Valley responded in the third to take a narrow lead. The back-and-forth battle continued into the final period, where Fraser Valley ultimately secured the win. Despite the pressure, athletes kept perspective. Heath Redden shared that he reminds himself “it is just for fun,” while Iona Jespersen noted, “it doesn’t always matter if you win; it’s if you think you’ve done your personal best.”

The strong performances from both teams set an exciting tone for the tournament ahead.

Judo Community Brings Experience and Tradition to the Games

By Caleb Reid
JL Crowe Secondary Student

At Fruitvale Elementary, judo coaches and officials brought decades of experience to the mat for the BC Winter Games. Many have dedicated 10, 15, even 40 years to the sport, drawn by its strong sense of community and the unique opportunity the Games provide young athletes.

Chair of the Coaching Development Committee in BC, Bruce Fingarson, began refereeing 25 years ago. He emphasizes safety and mentorship. “Refereeing is about being the right place at the right time and evaluating,” he explained.

For many athletes, this may be the only multi-sport event they experience. Yet the respect, tradition and sportsmanship — bowing at the start and end of every match — remain central to the sport’s enduring appeal.

Curling Builds Bonds Beyond the Ice

By Kailey Reinhard
JL Crowe Secondary Student

Beyond competition, men’s curling at the BC Winter Games is building lasting connections. Athletes from Kelowna and Williams Lake reflected on what the event means to them personally.

Kaydn Dunbar shared that competing alongside his brother makes the experience especially meaningful, crediting their grandfather for introducing them to the sport. “Coming here I only knew two teams, and now I know them all,” he said.

Players from Williams Lake echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how curling brings people together. For many, the Games are about more than results — they are about friendships, family traditions and shared passion.

Tradition and Team Spirit Highlight Archery Competition

By Kate Garlinge
PR Chair, 2026 BC Winter Games

Arrows flew at JL Crowe Secondary as archery competition began with a powerful tribute to tradition. Thompson-Okanagan Head Coach Bernard “Buzz” Manuel opened the event with drumming and song, honouring athletes and speaking about nurturing future generations. It marks his fifth BC Games, both as athlete and coach.

Coaches from Indigenous communities reflected on the importance of athletes representing both region and culture. Meanwhile, Cariboo North East Head Coach Lora-Lee Murray kept her team relaxed with a hot pink flamingo and playful distractions. “At this stage, it’s about keeping them out of their own heads,” she said.

Beyond competition, athletes connected over crafts and conversation — a reminder that the Games foster friendships as much as focus.

Trail and Rossland Welcome the Province at Opening Ceremony

By Karlie Shaughnessy

More than 1,600 athletes and 1,450 volunteers gathered at the Trail Memorial Centre to officially open the 2026 BC Winter Games. Teams representing 15 sports marched into the arena in a colourful parade of zones, cheered on by family and community members.

The ceremony featured local performances, including drummers, cultural dance groups and Rossland’s Boomtown Garter Girls, whose high-energy cancan performance elicited hooting and hollering from the athletes. Indigenous leaders and Games officials welcomed athletes, emphasizing unity, opportunity and respect.

As the cauldron was lit, the message was clear: the Games are about more than medals. They mark the beginning of competition, connection and memories that will last long after the final event concludes.

For hundreds of young athletes, the moment finally arrived Thursday night as the region welcomed more than 1,450 volunteers, 1,600 young athletes, and families from 131 communities across British Columbia who gathered to officially open the 2026 BC Winter Games. Before a single medal is awarded, before the first whistle blows or skis carve through snow, there is this moment: the roar of a crowd, the skirl of bagpipes, and a chorus line of high-kicking can-can dancers putting Kootenay culture on centre stage.

Inside the Trail Memorial Centre, teams representing 15 sports and 16 Provincial sport organizations prepared to begin four days of competition. Over the course of the Games, 930 medals will be awarded, but opening night was about more than podium finishes. It was about community, connection, and the shared spirit of welcoming the province to the Kootenays.

The ceremony opened with the Trail Pipe Band, with bagpipes echoing as hosts recognized Games officials, Indigenous representatives, and municipal leaders. Jared Basil of the Ktunaxa Nation welcomed athletes and families, noting that “sport and athletics have the ability to bring us together” and reminding competitors that “success is where preparation meets opportunity,” encouraging athletes to savour the experience. Herb Alex of the Sinixt Confederacy, and a former BC Winter Games alpine skiing participant, echoed that message: “It’s an amazing event. Have fun, stay safe and respect everyone.”

Athletes have travelled from every corner of British Columbia to be here, some from as far away as Prince Rupert, nearly 1,700 kilometres from Trail/Rossland. All athletes’ journeys involved 35 coach buses, 15 school district buses, three charter flights, and the careful coordination of more than 3,000 pieces of luggage.

For many, the opening ceremony marked the culmination of months, and in some cases years, of training, early mornings, and long travel days.

One by one, zones marched into the arena in a parade of colour and celebration:

• Zone 2 (RED) – Thompson Okanagan
• Zone 3 (Light Blue) – Fraser Valley
• Zone 4 (Orange) – Fraser River
• Zone 5 (Dark Green) – Vancouver Coastal
• Zone 6 (Light Green) – Vancouver Island Central Coast
• Zone 7 (Purple) – North West
• Zone 8 (Dark Blue) – Cariboo North East
• Lastly, lead by Zone 1 (Yellow) – Kootenays, led by Kootenay Olympian George Grey, who competed in 2006 and 2010, drawing cheers from the hometown crowd

The evening’s entertainment showcased the depth of talent across the region, blending tradition, athleticism, and community spirit.

Webster Elementary School Drummers opened the performances with synchronized percussion and setting an energetic tone. Team Senhaamrtham followed with a vibrant cultural performance that brought expressive movement and intricate choreography to the ceremony. The group, formed recently by leader Amrtha Mary, who performed together for the first time during the opening celebration. Mary said the dancers were “proud to represent traditional Indian classical dance and open for the BC Winter Games,” marking a meaningful debut to the group.

Speeches from Games officials and local political representatives underscored the scale of the event and the effort required to host it. Then came the high kicks. Rossland’s Boomtown Garter Girls energized the arena with their signature cancan performance.

“Bringing old-style cancan to the BC Winter Games stage was an incredible honour,” said Valerie Rossi, known on stage as Ruby Tuesday. “We were proud to celebrate history while delivering the kind of high-energy performance that turns heads.”

The troupe has been high-kicking across stages for more than four decades, carrying forward a dance tradition that traces its roots to 19th-century Paris before finding a spirited home in Rossland’s mining-era celebrations. “Cancan is as athletic as it is glamorous—precision, stamina, and heart in every kick,” Rossi said. “If we left the crowd buzzing, and a little breathless just watching, then we did what we came to do.”

For some, the Games involve more than one role. Summer Recchi took the stage with the Boomtown Garter Girls while also acting as Special Event Chair, assisting in the organization of the opening and other ceremonies. “This is one of the largest events we have ever performed at,” said Recchi. “We are very excited for the opening of the Games and look forward to adding some Kootenay culture and heritage to the Games and the rest of B.C.”

The Kootenay Men’s Choir and the Friends and Family Choir closed the entertainment portion of the evening, their harmonies filling the arena in a powerful final tribute to collaboration and shared effort.

Behind the event lies a massive logistical undertaking. Over the course of the Games, more than 17,000 meals will be served. Six schools have been transformed into athlete villages, complete with 1,593 foam mattresses and 101 classrooms converted into dorm rooms.

Volunteers range in age from nine to 92—a reminder that the BC Winter Games are powered as much by community spirit as by athletic performance. From transportation and food services to medical teams and event coordination, thousands of hours of volunteer effort make the Games possible.

Notably, 14 BC Games alumni have gone on to compete at the 2026 Olympic Games, highlighting the event’s role as a launchpad for future champions. As the ceremony built toward the lighting of the cauldron, the message was clear: the BC Winter Games are about possibility.

For the athletes marching across the arena floor, some competing in their first major multi-sport event, this moment marked the beginning of something bigger than competition. It marked the start of friendships, memories, and experiences that will last long after the final medal is awarded.

For the Trail, Rossland area, the Games are officially underway.