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BC Soccer to withdraw from the 2026 BC Summer Games

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Soccer has been part of the BC Games since its debut at the Penticton 1978 BC Summer Games.

“BC Soccer has been a valued partner since the very first BC Summer Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We thank the many soccer alumni, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the Games since 1978.”

While soccer will not be part of the 2026 BC Summer Games, all accredited Provincial and Disability Sports Organizations in British Columbia will have the opportunity to apply for inclusion in the 2028 BC Winter or BC Summer Games.

Read the full bulletin from BC Soccer.

Celebrating the life and contributions of Cindy Simpson

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Cindy was a force … always stepping up and following through, generous with her time, talents, and expertise, giving of her seemingly never-ending energy, and as an articulate and outspoken advocate, her passions always shone through in the most respectful and considerate ways. I was fortunate to have worked alongside Cindy in multiple capacities – at some BC Games or another, at functions and events, collaborating with her to improve BC Games Society and BC Seniors Games Society systems, and most notably, as a member of our Mission Staff team for the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. I consider myself fortunate to have had her as a colleague and privileged to call her a friend. The little decorated shuttle she made has had a home on my desk since she gave it to me many years ago – it always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart with memories of Cindy and times spent with her!

– Irene Schell | Senior Manager, Operations and Technology, BC Games Society

“I have been fortunate enough to cross pathways of life with Cindy in many forms, either through projects with the 55+ BC Games, Badminton community, and the BC Winter Games, or even through small world connections as her daughter, Debra, was a well-liked afterschool care manager for my children. Debra takes on her mom’s values of leadership and effectiveness with a caring and genuine approach to people. Cindy was a special person and it’s sad that she has played her last match, but I feel she excelled in the tournament of life.”

– Andrew Pitre | Senior Manager, Winter Games, BC Games Society

Cindy was a tireless champion of the 55+ BC Games and a fierce advocate for the BC Seniors Games Society and its members. Beyond that, she was a passionate contributor to British Columbia’s sport community – especially in her beloved sport of badminton. Most of all, Cindy was an incredibly kind and thoughtful person. I’ll always treasure the memories we shared – whether it was sharing stories on the bus during the Sport Venue Tour in Vernon, hitting a few balls on the driving range in Cranbrook, or receiving a surprise hand-knit blanket she made for my newborn daughter. Cindy will be deeply missed.

– Kyler Nurmsoo | Senior Manager, Summer Games, BC Games Society

 

The BC Games Society is saddened to learn of the passing of Cindy Simpson. Cindy was a career sport volunteer, holding numerous positions on the Board of the BC Senior Games Society over the last 25 years and serving as the longtime Provincial Advisor for badminton at the BC Games.

Her passion for sport, badminton, and Games was contagious. Cindy’s impact in the sport sector has been far and wide reaching, and she was a major proponent of the benefits of sport and the impact of Games to athletes, coaches, officials, and communities. 

We have compiled tributes to Cindy below from the members of the BC Games Society staff who worked closest with her over the years.

Cindy was a force … always stepping up and following through, generous with her time, talents, and expertise, giving of her seemingly never-ending energy, and as an articulate and outspoken advocate, her passions always shone through in the most respectful and considerate ways. I was fortunate to have worked alongside Cindy in multiple capacities – at some BC Games or another, at functions and events, collaborating with her to improve BC Games Society and BC Seniors Games Society systems, and most notably, as a member of our Mission Staff team for the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. I consider myself fortunate to have had her as a colleague and privileged to call her a friend. The little decorated shuttle she made has had a home on my desk since she gave it to me many years ago – it always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart with memories of Cindy and times spent with her!

– Irene Schell | Senior Manager, Operations and Technology, BC Games Society

“I have been fortunate enough to cross pathways of life with Cindy in many forms, either through projects with the 55+ BC Games, Badminton community, and the BC Winter Games, or even through small world connections as her daughter, Debra, was a well-liked afterschool care manager for my children. Debra takes on her mom’s values of leadership and effectiveness with a caring and genuine approach to people. Cindy was a special person and it’s sad that she has played her last match, but I feel she excelled in the tournament of life.”

– Andrew Pitre | Senior Manager, Winter Games, BC Games Society

Cindy was a tireless champion of the 55+ BC Games and a fierce advocate for the BC Seniors Games Society and its members. Beyond that, she was a passionate contributor to British Columbia’s sport community – especially in her beloved sport of badminton. Most of all, Cindy was an incredibly kind and thoughtful person. I’ll always treasure the memories we shared – whether it was sharing stories on the bus during the Sport Venue Tour in Vernon, hitting a few balls on the driving range in Cranbrook, or receiving a surprise hand-knit blanket she made for my newborn daughter. Cindy will be deeply missed.

– Kyler Nurmsoo | Senior Manager, Summer Games, BC Games Society

 

Basketball BC withdraws 3×3 Basketball from 2026 BC Summer Games

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Basketball BC has announced that its 3×3 program will be withdrawn from the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games to allow the organization to reevaluate how the sport aligns with the BC Games and Canada Basketball’s sport development pathway.

Basketball BC has run its 3×3 program at the BC Games since the 2014 BC Summer Games in Nanaimo. The organization plans to reevaluate the development of 3×3 basketball in the province and come back to the BC Games stronger in the future.

“Basketball BC remains committed to growing and enhancing 3×3 basketball in the province,” said Shawn Dheensaw, Executive Director of Basketball BC. “While we have made the difficult decision to withdraw 3×3 from the BC Summer Games, this allows us to realign the competition with the objectives of the Games and strengthen the overall development pathway for athletes, coaches, and officials.

“Our goal is to create sustainable opportunities for participation and excellence in 3×3 basketball and possibly participating in the BC Summer Games in the future.”

Basketball BC will continue to be involved in the BC Summer Games through the 5-on-5 program, providing opportunities for B.C.’s athletes, coaches, and officials from the sport to continue to participate in the BC Games.

“While we are sad that 3×3 basketball will not be part of the 2026 BC Summer Games, we appreciate Basketball BC’s commitment to growing the sport and welcome future discussions when the time is right to explore its return to the BC Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.

“We are excited that our partnership with Basketball BC will continue through the 5-on-5 program and we value the long-standing collaboration between our organizations.”

The opportunity to apply for inclusion in the BC Winter or BC Summer Games is extended to all accredited Provincial and Disability Sport Organizations in B.C., including those that have previously withdrawn, ahead of each Games cycle. The next opportunity to apply will be announced prior to the 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.

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. The 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.

Jake Rudolph receives Presidents’ Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer contributions

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Jake Rudolph has been named the BC Games Society’s recipient for the Presidents’ Awards, given to volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through the dedication, commitment, and tireless energy they give to their sport organizations.

The Presidents’ Awards are formally presented as part of Sport BC’s 57th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday, March 6.

Rudolph served as Director of Sport for the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games, working tirelessly to facilitate competition at the Games in collaboration with local and provincial sport organizations. He demonstrated outstanding commitment to the

Rudolph recently retired from public life, having served at the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Nanaimo, The City of Pitt Meadows and the Deputy City manager of the City of Abbotsford and the General Manager at the City of Maple Ridge. He has been a Director of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, serving several leadership roles in the organization. Among his many volunteer roles, Rudolph is a Past President and Board Member of the Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association where he and the team organized many amazing provincial tournaments.

He is one of 38 recipients of the President’s Award in 2025 — eleven of whom have been recent or long-standing volunteers with the BC Games Society or Team BC.

To read the full Sport BC release on the Presidents’ Awards, visit sportbc.com.

ABOUT SPORT BC PRESIDENTS’ AWARDS

Sport BC recognizes the importance of volunteers in sport. The significant role volunteers play in the sport sector is celebrated through Sport BC’s Presidents’ Awards. The Presidents’ Awards presented by Sports With Balls are given to volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through the dedication, commitment, and tireless energy they give to their sport organizations. The 38 recipients will be celebrated during Sport BC’s 57th Athlete of the Year Awards taking place on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Congratulations to the 2025 Presidents’ Awards Recipients, thank you for all you do for sport in British Columbia.

 

  SPORT ORGANIZATION             2025 PRESIDENTS’ AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Badminton BC Michael Khoo*
Basketball BC Ken Olynyk
BC Adaptive Snowsports Russell Vida
BC Archery Greg Birtwistle
BC Athletics Dawn Driver*
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Sean Cowie
BC Diving Sven Batalla
BC Games Society Jake Rudolph*
BC Golf Barbara Rainey
BC Hockey Randy Henderson*
BC Lacrosse Penni King
BC Netball Sabrina Versteeg*
BC Seniors Games Society Gordon Oates
BC Snowboard Steven Hills
BC Soccer Stuart Wright
BC Sport Cheer Alyssa Bradford
BC Sports Hall Stan Wong
BC Wheelchair Basketball Darlene Antoniuk
BC Wheelchair Sports Kelly Smith*
BC Women & Sport Brenda Chinn*
BC Wrestling Boxing BC Sucha Mann*
Curl BC Neil Campbell
Field Hockey BC Colbin Wong
Football BC Drew Kightley
Gymnastics BC Graham Dodd
Judo BC Donna Hansen
Karate BC Michael Scales*
KidSport Patti Hunter
PacificSport Fraser Valley Stephanie Eby
Rowing BC David Miege
Skate Canada BC/YT Section Joanne Nickel*
Softball BC Squash BC Lavaughn Larson Tasha Doucas
SportMedBC Joseph Stern
Triathlon BC Peter Denny
Volleyball BC Water Polo West Barton Lim*
* Denotes BC Games connection

BC Games and Team BC alumni among finalists at Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards

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Sport BC is set to host the 57th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday night, March 7, and 19 BC Games or Team BC alumni have been recognized with nominations for major awards.

Among those nominated are BC Games alumni and Olympic hammer throwing champions Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, who are up for Senior Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Also vying for Senior Female Athlete of the Year is Team BC alumni Shallon Olsen, who attended her third Olympic Games in Paris.

BC Games alumnus Nathan Clement, who won silver at the Paralympic Games in Paris, and Team BC alumnus Sebastian Massabie, who won Paralympic gold while setting a world record, are both finalists for Male Athlete of the Year.

Zachary Clay, who competed at both the BC Games and the Canada Games for Team BC, will be awarded the Harry Jerome Comeback Award after making an incredible recovery from injury to represent Canada in Paris.

For more information about the Athlete of the Year Awards, visit sportbc.com.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

*BC Games or Team BC alumni

Harry Jerome Comeback Award
*Zachary Clay – Artistic Gymnastics (2006 BCWG) (2011 CWG)

Female Athlete with a Disability
Danielle Ellis (White Rock, BC) – Sitting Volleyball
Julia Hanes (Vancouver, BC) – Para Athletics (Seated Throws)
Maggie Manning (Salmon Arm, BC) – Para Ice Hockey

Male Athlete with a Disability
*Nathan Clement (West Vancouver, BC) – Para Cycling (2010 BCSG – para swimming)
Cody Fournie (Victoria, BC) – Para Athletics (Wheelchair Racing)
*Sebastian Massabie (Surrey, BC) – Para Swimming (2022 CSG)

Female Coach of the Year
Laura Brown (North Vancouver, BC) – Cycling
Karen Kos (North Vancouver, BC) – Ice Hockey
*Dorina Stan (North Vancouver, BC) – Gymnastics (2004 BCWG – Coach) (2011 & 2015 CWG – Manager)

Male Coach of the Year
*Dylan Armstrong (Kamloops, BC) – Athletics (1995 BCSG – Athlete) (2001 CSG – Athlete)
*Igor Gantsevich (Richmond, BC) – Fencing (2002 BCWG – Athlete) (2003 CWG – Athlete)
*Richard Ikeda (Kamloops, BC) – Gymnastics (2006 & 2010 BCWG – Coach) (1991 CWG – Athlete; 2011 CWG – Manager; 2023 CWG – Coach)

High School Female Athlete of the Year
Agnia Krakovska (Maple Ridge, BC) – Wrestling (Maple Ridge Secondary)
*Talia Phangura (Surrey, BC) – Athletics (North Surrey Secondary) (2022 BCSG)
Miah Schuurman (Chilliwack, BC) – Basketball & Volleyball (Unity Christian School)

High School Male Athlete of the Year
Cole Bugden (Vernon, BC) – Basketball, Football & Golf (Vernon Senior Secondary)
Michealjeet Grewal (Abbotsford, BC) – Wrestling (WJ Mouat Secondary)
Emmet Ward (North Vancouver, BC) – Basketball, Football, Rugby & Track and Field (Windsor Secondary)

Junior Female Athlete of the Year
*Chloe Primerano (North Vancouver, BC) – Ice Hockey (2023 CWG)
*Amy Lee (Langley, BC) – Golf (2022 BCSG)
*Brooklyn Lee-McMeeken (Pitt Meadows, BC) – Gymnastics (2023 CWG)

Junior Male Athlete of the Year
*Isaac Boehmer (Penticton, BC) – Soccer (2012 BCSG)
*Lowan Le Bris (Surrey, BC) – Judo (2020 & 2022 BCWG) (2023 CWG)
Nick Zhang (Vancouver, BC) – Fencing

Senior Female Athlete of the Year
Caileigh Filmer (Victoria, BC) – Rowing
*Shallon Olsen (Surrey, BC) – Gymnastics (2011 & 2015 CWG)
*Camryn Rogers (Richmond, BC) – Athletics (2014 BCSG)

Senior Male Athlete of the Year
Amar Dhesi (Surrey, BC) – Wrestling
Raymond Huang (Vancouver, BC) – Archery
*Ethan Katzberg (Nanaimo, BC) – Athletics (2016 BCSG)

Post Secondary Athlete of the Year
Nicolas Huerta –Track and Field (TWU)
Marie-Eloise Leclair – Track and Field (SFU)
Diego Maffia – Basketball (UVic)
Garrett Rooker – Football (UBC)
Katalin Tolnai – Soccer (UBC)

Team of the Year
UBC Thunderbirds Women’s Soccer
UVIC Vikes Women’s Field Hockey
Team Canada National Junior Squash Team

Master Athlete of the Year
Betty Brussel (New Westminster, BC) – Swimming
Gerald Poulton (Victoria, BC) – Squash
Diane Silzer (North Vancouver, BC) – Speed Skating

Official of the Year
*Kevin Bowie (Vancouver, BC) – Wheelchair Rugby (2007 CWG – Wheelchair Basketball Athlete) (2008 BCWG – Wheelchair Basketball Official)
*Brian Hiebert (Vancouver, BC) – Beach Volleyball (1994 & 1995 BCSG – Volleyball Athlete) 2016 BCSG – Official)
*Andree Montreuil (Quebec City, QC) – Gymnastics (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2020 BCWG – Official)

Countdown to Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games begins 

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TRAIL-ROSSLAND, February 25, 2025 — Excitement is building in the Kootenays as the official countdown begins for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games. In just one year, the region will welcome as many as 1,200 of British Columbia’s top young athletes, along with coaches and officials, for five days of elite competition and community celebration from Wednesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 1.

“The Kootenays are a beautiful part of BC, especially in winter, and its communities are well known for their hospitality,” says Brian Stefani, president of the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games. “We look forward to welcoming the province’s best young athletes and their families for an exceptional experience.”

Trail and Rossland have a rich history of winter sports and events, including the BC Winter Games in 1982 and 2006. Known for their world-class ski terrain, passionate sports culture, and dedicated volunteers, these communities are poised to deliver an unforgettable multi-sport event.

The 2026 BC Winter Games Host Society is led by President Brian Stefani and Vice President Barb Stanley, supported by a Board of Directors, and powered by 1,600 volunteers who will ensure every aspect of the Games is a success. Volunteer recruitment will begin in earnest in the fall, and community members are encouraged to get involved in this milestone event.

“The BC Winter Games provide an important stepping stone for young athletes as they progress in their sporting careers,” says Andy Morel, Mayor of Rossland. “Trail and Rossland offer outstanding venues and a passionate sporting community that will help create a truly inspiring competition.”

“We are honoured to welcome the BC Winter Games back next year, bringing significant economic benefits to our community,” says Colleen Jones, Mayor of Trail. “This event will invigorate local businesses, boost tourism, enhance local infrastructure, and strengthen community spirit. It’s also an exciting opportunity for residents to get involved through volunteering and showcase the hospitality of Trail.”

KEY DATES FOR THE 2026 BC WINTER GAMES:
– Opening Ceremony: Thursday, February 26, 2026
– Competitions: Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28, 2026

FUN FACTS:
– More than  900 medals will be awarded across 15 winter sports.
– Volunteers will prepare and serve over 18,500 meals during the Games.

For more information, visit bcgames.org/.

Media Contacts
Andras Lukacs
Director of Marketing
Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games
andras@bcwintergames.ca

Andres Marquez-Velasco
Marketing Coordinator
BC Games Society
andresmv@bcgames.org

BC Games Society announces sport package for Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games

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The BC Games Society has announced the full contingent of sports that will take part in the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games from February 25 to March 1, 2026.

FULL SPORT PACKAGE

The 15 sports named will bring over 1,700 athletes, coaches, and officials to Trail, Rossland, and surrounding communities, which have hosted the BC Winter Games twice previously in 1982 and 2006 in addition to the BC Summer Games in 1996.

Inclusion in the Games is determined by the BC Games Core Sport Policy, which outlines the criteria that provincial sport organizations must meet and ensures that the Games continue to deliver exceptional experiences through sport to young athletes from all over the province.

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games are British Columbia’s biennial celebration of sport and community. Since 1978, the BC Games have had over 350,000 participants and volunteers, plus thousands more attend as spectators and supporters.

To learn more about the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games, visit bcwintergames.ca.

Ages Sport Athletes Coaches Officials Total
U-14 Alpine Skiing 100 24 6 130
U-18 Archery 54 18 12 84
U-16 Artistic Gymnastics 96 28 28 152
U-15 Badminton 64 20 8 92
U-15 Biathlon 40 16 18 74
U-14 Cross Country Skiing 82 16 10 108
13-35 Cross Country Skiing-Para 8 4 0 12
12-20 Cross Country Skiing-Special Olympics 16 8 0 24
U-16 Curling 80 32 10 122
U-16 Figure Skating 60 16 20 96
12-45 Figure Skating-Special Olympics 16 8 0 24
U-14 Freestyle Skiing 72 20 26 118
U-16 Judo 100 20 17 137
U-14 Karate 96 24 29 149
U-12 Rhythmic Gymnastics 56 16 8 80
U-16 Ringette 96 24 5 125
U-14 Speed Skating 72 24 24 120
12-45 Speed Skating-Special Olympics 16 8 0 24
12-29 Wheelchair Basketball 56 22 8 86
  Totals 1180 348 229 1757

 

Quotes

Alison Noble, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“The sports in the BC Games are held to a high standard through our Core Sport Policy, and their inclusion is a result of the hard work that provincial sport organizations are doing to grow their sports and develop inclusive and positive cultures.

The collaborative partnership with each provincial sport organization in the Games is foundational to the work we do. We thank them for their investment of time and resources to make the Games a success.”

Thorstein Fischer, MAG Program Manager and BC Games Provincial Advisor, Gymnastics BC
“The BC Winter Games are a vital step in the development pathway for Gymnastics BC athletes, coaches, and officials. For many, it’s their first experience traveling and competing as part of a regional zone team, an opportunity that is rare in our sport. The Games provide a unique environment to develop skills, gain valuable competition experience, and prepare for future interprovincial and national events.

Just as importantly, hosting the Games in communities like Trail-Rossland allows us to build stronger relationships with local clubs and better understand the unique challenges they face. It gets us out from behind our desks and into the heart of these clubs, where we can see firsthand the dedication, passion, and obstacles they navigate. This connection helps us provide better support and ensure that gymnastics continues to grow in all corners of the province.”

Media Contact
Andres Marquez-Velasco
Marketing Coordinator
BC Games Society
andresmv@bcgames.org

Board of Directors in place for Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games

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ROSSLAND, January 22, 2025 — The Board of Directors for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games, scheduled to take place from February 25 to March 1, 2026, has been finalized. A nominating committee, led by the Mayors of the City of Rossland and the City of Trail, guided the selection process.

The Games will be led by President Brian Stefani and Vice-President Barb Stanley, supported by 14 additional community leaders, each taking responsibility for specific portfolios. The Board will be supported throughout the planning process by the BC Games Society.

The cities of Trail and Rossland and surrounding areas will welcome as many as 1,200 athletes and 600 coaches and officials, competing in 15 sports. The Games will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on Thursday, February 26, 2026 followed by four thrilling days of competition, culminating on March 1. Venues for sport competitions and special events will be announced as details are finalized. The complete Sport Package for the Games can be found here.

The BC Winter Games showcase the best young developing athletes in the province, supported by certified coaches and officials. With over 1,600 volunteers required to stage the Games, this event is expected to infuse as much as $1.6 million into the local economy. Registration for general volunteers will open in the fall of 2026.

A complete list of the Board of Directors can be found here.

Quotes:

“Trail is incredibly excited to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games”, said Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our region’s passion for sport, showcase our breathtaking mountain environment, and welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers to our world-class facilities.”

“Rossland is proud to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games,” said Rossland Mayor Andy Morel. “This event not only will bring together the province’s top youth athletes, but also provide a platform to showcase our vibrant communities and celebrate the spirit of sport.”

“Barb and I are honoured to lead this talented group of Directors, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their portfolios,” said Games President Brian Stefani. “The Directors are now in the recruitment phase as they look to fill 80 Chair positions with volunteers who will lead specific Games planning areas. Together, we’re excited to begin this journey and deliver an exceptional event.”

“Trail and Rossland have a remarkable legacy of hosting sporting events and fostering volunteerism,” said BC Games Society President and CEO, Alison Noble. “Games participants can expect exceptional support from experienced volunteers and the opportunity to compete in world-class facilities. The entire BC sport community is looking forward to February 2026 with great excitement.”

For more information contact:

Andras Lukacs
Director of Marketing
Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games
andras@bcwintergames.ca

David Conlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games Legacy Fund Recipients Announced

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Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games Society is awarding approximately $200,000 in legacy funds to three initiatives that will benefit the community for years to come.

Fifty per cent of the funds will go to Quesnel Community Foundation to create an annual fund to be awarded to a sport team or club for a capital project or maintenance of facilities, while 25 per cent will create another fund with Quesnel Community Foundation for two annual scholarships for student athletes from School District 28. Homeschooled athletes will also be eligible if they live within the district. The final 25 per cent will be given to Lhtako Dene Nation as seed funding for trail network improvements on reserve lands.

Legacy funds come from the generosity of the business community in supporting the Games with cash and in-kind contributions, merchandise sales, and the sound financial management and creative low-cost problem solving of the Board of Directors and key volunteers that led the Games.

The funding allocation was announced at a Legacy Celebration held at Lhtako Dene Longhouse on November 29. Invited guests included key volunteers from the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games, as well as elected officials from the Lhtako Dene Nation, City of Quesnel, and Cariboo Regional District, and representatives from the BC Games Society. The decision was made by a small committee made up of volunteers from the Games.

“We are blown away by the support we received from the community for these Games,” said Brenda Beatty, Vice, President, Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games Society.. “Whether donating funds, providing in-kind support, or volunteering their time, the community came together to make the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games a success and have a lasting positive impact. These legacy projects will benefit the broader community for years to come.”

Prior to the Games, the region saw other investments through the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games operating budget and the BC Games Society’s Powering Potential Fund, which supported projects including improvements to the biathlon range at Hallis Lake, coach education for the Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club, new mats for Judo, the development of a slopestyle course at Troll Mountain, and start-up support for a local Freestyle Ski Club. Complete details of the Powering Potential Fund projects for the 2024 BC Winter Games are available here. More information about the Powering Potential Fund can be found on bcgames.org/.

“While the BC Winter Games took place over five wonderful days in Quesnel and surrounding areas, the benefits to the community are long lasting,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “Over fourteen hundred volunteers came together to make the Games happen, many of whom were left with new skills, experiences, or connections in the community. In addition, sport and other community facilities received upgrades in order to stage the Games. Now, the Legacy Fund will continue to support events and individuals for many years to come.

“Congratulations to the Board of Directors for the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games for their extraordinary work to make this vision a reality.”

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Media Contacts:

Amy Reid
Public Relations Chair
Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games
amyjanereid@gmail.com

David Conlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

B.C. sport sector comes together for BC Games Sport Partner Meeting, inaugural Excellence Awards

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Representatives from 34 B.C. sport organizations came together on October 22 for a day of discussion and recognition at the BC Games Sport Partner Meeting in Vancouver.

Hosted every two years by the BC Games Society, the meeting serves as an opportunity to update and engage sport partners about leveraging the BC Winter and BC Summer Games for sport development. The province’s sport sector was well-represented, with 47 representatives attending on behalf of Provincial, Disability, and Multi-Sport Organizations.

“We were thrilled to have strong turnout and engagement at this year’s meeting,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “It was a great opportunity to engage our partners and generate discussions and ideas that will help us ensure the BC Winter and BC Summer Games remain an important part of B.C.’s sport development pathway.”

The meeting also featured the presentation of the BC Games Sport Partner Excellence Awards, a new initiative intended to recognize outstanding contributions by a sport partner from both the BC Winter and BC Summer Games. BC Games Society Board Member Sue Griffin presented BC Archery and Baseball BC with the inaugural awards, which come with a financial contribution of $2,500 to help support sport programming goals at future Games.

BC Archery and Baseball BC are presented with their BC Games Sport Partner Excellence Awards.

BC Archery has demonstrated the ability to leverage the BC Winter Games through numerous avenues, including participating in the Coach Mentorship Program, facilitating Indigenous participation initiatives, maintaining strong province-wide participation with representation from all eight zones, and bringing a strong slate of coaches who are trained appropriately.  

Baseball BC has shown excellent partnership in building a strong program at the BC Summer Games, including adopting a quality zone selection process to ensure a high level of competition, using the Games as an opportunity to mentor young officials, and bringing quality coaches who are willing and able to provide mentorship to coaches with less experience.

“BC Archery and Baseball BC have routinely gone above and beyond to leverage the Games and create exceptional experiences for their athletes, coaches, and officials,” said Noble. “Our sport partners work hard to make the BC Games a unique experience for participants, so we’re excited to have one more way to celebrate outstanding contributions.”

The next BC Games are set to take place in 2026, with the BC Winter Games heading to Trail-Rossland and the BC Summer Games taking place in Kelowna. Learn more at 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. The 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.

Get Involved

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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© 2026 BC Games Society

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