Tag Archive for: 2025 News
BC Games Society releases Core Sport Policy for 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games
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
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
BC Games Society announces sport package for Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games
The BC Games Society has announced the full contingent of sports that will take part in the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games from July 22 to 26, 2026.
Just over 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials will participate across 19 sports in Kelowna, which previously hosted the BC Games in 1980, 1994, and 2008.
Earlier in 2025, Horse Council BC, Basketball BC, and BC Soccer announced the withdrawal of equestrian, 3×3 basketball, and soccer from the 2026 BC Summer Games. All accredited provincial or disability sport organizations will be invited to apply or reapply for inclusion in the 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.
Inclusion of sports in the BC Games is determined through the Core Sport Policy. The policy outlines the criteria that provincial and disability sport organizations must meet to qualify and ensures that the BC Games continues 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 370,000 participants and volunteers, plus thousands more attend as spectators and supporters.
To learn more about the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games, visit bcsummergames.ca.
| AGES | GENDER | SPORT | ATHLETES | COACHES | OFFICIALS | TOTAL |
| 11–15 | M & F | Artistic Swimming | 56 | 16 | 17 | 89 |
| 14–15 | M & F | Athletics | 288 | 32 | 41 | 361 |
| 12–40 | M & F | Athletics-Special Olympics | 16 | 4 | 1 | 21 |
| 15U; 16U | M & F | Baseball | 128 | 24 | 22 | 174 |
| U14 | M | Basketball-Boys | 80 | 16 | 11 | 107 |
| U14 | F | Basketball-Girls | 80 | 16 | 11 | 107 |
| 17U | M & F | Beach Volleyball | 32 | 16 | 8 | 56 |
| 15–16 | M & F | Box Lacrosse | 152 | 32 | 14 | 198 |
| 13–16; U19 | M & F | Canoe/Kayak | 104 | 32 | 25 | 161 |
| 14–15 | M & F | Field Lacrosse | 152 | 32 | 14 | 198 |
| 12–16 | M & F | Golf | 48 | 16 | 15 | 79 |
| U17 | M & F | Rowing | 64 | 16 | 12 | 92 |
| U17 | F | Rugby-Girls | 96 | 24 | 12 | 132 |
| U15; U19 | M & F | Sailing | 72 | 16 | 7 | 95 |
| U15 | F | Softball-Girls | 120 | 32 | 12 | 164 |
| U15 | M & F | Swimming | 160 | 16 | 30 | 206 |
| 13–30 | M & F | Swimming-Para | 8 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| 12–40 | M & F | Swimming-Special Olympics | 24 | 6 | 1 | 31 |
| 10–17 | M & F | Towed Water Sports | 48 | 16 | 20 | 84 |
| 14–15 | M & F | Triathlon | 52 | 16 | 8 | 76 |
| 13–15 | M & F | Ultimate | 112 | 16 | 0 | 128 |
| 15U | M | Volleyball-Boys | 112 | 16 | 6 | 134 |
| 15U | F | Volleyball-Girls | 112 | 16 | 6 | 134 |
| 14–17 | M & F | Wrestling | 136 | 16 | 14 | 166 |
| TOTALS | 2252 | 445 | 308 | 3005 |
Alison Noble, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“The BC Games are a crucial step in the sport development pathway in British Columbia and the 2026 BC Summer Games represent an exciting opportunity for athletes, coaches, and officials across these 19 sports to create lasting memories. Kelowna has a long history of hosting successful BC Games and we look forward to watching B.C.’s up and coming athletes develop and experience the magic of the Games once again 2026.”
Diane St-Denis, Executive Director, Softball BC
“The BC Summer Games offer a vital development opportunity for softball athletes, coaches, and umpires. This multi-sport event serves as a natural stepping stone for those aiming to compete at higher levels, including the Canada Games and the national team. Participants can aspire to follow in the footsteps of BC Games alumni and Olympic bronze medalists Emma Entzminger and Sara Groenewegen. Additionally, the Games provide an excellent platform for umpires looking to advance to pan-provincial and national competitions.”
MEDIA CONTACT
David Conlin
Senior Manager-Marketing and Communications
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org
Volunteers Put ‘Pens to Paper’ in Preparation for 2026 BC Winter Games
TRAIL, BC, May 29, 2025 — Last week’s Key Volunteer Rally for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games began with a fitting etymology lesson. The word amateur, derived from the Latin amator, refers to someone who pursues an activity for the love of it rather than as a profession. “In that sense, not only are our athletes amateurs—but so are you,” said Games President Brian Stefani, addressing a room full of passionate volunteers gathered at the Trail Memorial Centre on Friday. United by their love of sport and community, each attendee embodied the true spirit of amateurism.
The Trail-Rossland region has a proud legacy of hosting provincial sporting events, including the BC Summer Games in 1996 and the Winter Games in 1982 and 2006. While the communities have evolved significantly over the past two decades, their commitment to supporting youth and sport remains as strong as ever. “I’m not very sporty,” admitted Katherine Shearer, Superintendent of School District No. 20, who attended the rally alongside many current and former SD20 staff. “But sharing in the joy of our youth as they compete builds a profound sense of belonging.”
Earlier today, the Host Community Sport meeting welcomed over a dozen Provincial Advisors—representatives from the organizations that oversee each sport in the Games—to the region. Each advisor was matched with a local Sport Chair, who was selected by community sport clubs. Together, they toured the competition venues located between Castlegar and Fruitvale. The Sport Chairs will act as tournament directors during the Games in February 2026.
These exchanges marked a key milestone in Games planning. “Today was a huge step forward,” said Director of Sport James Brotherhood, who leads the team of Sport Chairs along with four other members of the Sport Directorate. “It was pens to paper—maps drawn and strategies aligned.” Decisions made during these planning sessions, including the allocation of provincial funding, will leave a lasting impact on the region’s sport infrastructure.
Some of the day’s work took place at Red Mountain, where Josh Dueck, Executive Director of Freestyle BC, met with Ryan LaChapelle, local Sport Chair for freestyle skiing and Club Director of Team GIVE’R. Though planning is still in its early stages, discussions are already underway about potential upgrades to terrain features and storage facilities—enhancements that could benefit the community for years to come. For Josh, the vision extends beyond the competition itself. “Sport is a powerful tool for change, he said. “When athletes march into the Opening Ceremony and feel the energy of these communities, it will be transformational. That moment may become a turning point in their lives. The real win lies in the anticipation, in the creation of this opportunity—for the athletes, and for the community. The competition is just the cherry on top.”
Media Contact
Andras Lukacs
Director of Marketing
Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games
andras@bcwintergames.ca
BC Soccer to withdraw from the 2026 BC Summer Games
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.
Basketball BC withdraws 3×3 Basketball from 2026 BC Summer Games
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.
Countdown to Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games begins
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
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.
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