Athletes from Vancouver-Squamish topped the medal standings as another outstanding BC Winter Games concluded on the weekend in Vernon, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The focus of each BC Games is the development of athletes, coaches, officials, and communities. Although the medal results of each zone are impacted by geographical location and size, and number of participating athletes, here are the totals from this year's BC Winter Games:

Vancouver-Squamish: 34 gold, 30 silver, 17 bronze

Thompson-Okanagan: 24 gold, 26 silver, 30 bronze

Fraser Valley: 26 gold, 16 silver, 30 bronze

Vancouver Island-Central Coast: 13 gold, 20 silver, 19 bronze

Cariboo-North East: 13 gold, 17 silver, 13 bronze

Fraser River-Delta: 8 gold, 14 silver, 14 bronze

Kootenays: 5 gold, 2 silver, 7 bronze

North West: 6 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze

*Numbers are subject to change after final data review is completed by the BC Games Society.

A total of 1,124 athletes, 228 coaches and 152 officials took part in 17 events during the Games, which ran from Feb. 23 to Feb. 26. Helping to stage the successful Games were more than 2,200 volunteers from the Vernon area.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Our promising athletes impressed us with their performances, and every community in B.C. is filled with enthusiasm for their achievement. I congratulate Vernon, the host society and dedicated volunteers for delivering such a successful event."

Eric Foster, MLA Vernon-Monashee -

"I hope everyone involved in making the 2012 BC Winter Games a reality is proud of these successful Games. Staging this event was a tremendous challenge but, once again, greater Vernon residents proved they have what it takes to host the province."

Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the BC Games Society -

"Provincial Sport Organizations continue to motivate, train, and develop their athletes, coaches and officials on a pathway to excellence. Based on performances seen at these Games, a new generation of international stars will definitely come from B.C."

Akbal Mund, president of the 2012 BC Winter Games Host Society -

"Greater Vernon was very proud to host the Province, and the over 2,200 volunteers who made the 2012 BC Winter Games the best Games ever deserve a standing ovation! The memories of this competition will last with us forever, and we hope the athletes continue to pursue their passion."

Quick Facts:

• More than 2,200 volunteers were involved in the Games.
• Over 1,300 medals were awarded to athletes over the three days of competition.
• Each BC Games positively impacts the host community's economy by an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million.
• Greater Vernon previously hosted the BC Winter Games in 1992.

Learn More:

About the BC Winter Games: www.bcgames.org

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677