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