Penticton, Abbotsford, Kamloops and the Cowichan Valley have been chosen as the host communities of the 2016 and 2018 BC Summer and Winter Games, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett.

The host communities are as follows:

• Penticton - 2016 BC Winter Games

• Abbotsford - 2016 BC Summer Games

• Kamloops - 2018 BC Winter Games

• Cowichan Valley - 2018 BC Summer Games

The BC Summer and Winter Games represent the largest multi-sport competitions held in the province. They are a developmental platform for many athletes who often go on to higher levels of competition such as the Canada Summer and Winter Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In addition, the BC Games contribute to the development of sport and communities through infrastructure updates and improvements, large event-hosting experience, and volunteer engagement. The Games leave a lasting legacy of skilled volunteers in the community.

The B.C. government provides base funding for the Games of between $525,000 and $600,000.

(flickr.com)

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"The BC Games are an essential step in the development of B.C.'s high-performance athletes, not to mention a lot of fun for the athletes, coaches and communities involved. The economic impact on the host community is substantial-over $2 million-and the social impact is probably even larger. I am confident that these four communities will do a fantastic job in hosting the BC Games."

Kelly Mann, CEO, BC Games Society -

"The number of quality bids that were received speaks to the significant strategic investment in hosting capacity and infrastructure in B.C. communities made to date. The 2016 and 2018 BC Games will bring further opportunities for sport and community development but ultimately it is the skills, expertise and qualities of community volunteers that will make each Games experience unique and memorable. We look forward to working with the communities of Penticton, Abbotsford, Kamloops and the Cowichan Valley."

Quick Facts:

• An average of 2,500 athletes participate in the BC Summer Games, while an average of 1,200 athletes take part in the BC Winter Games.

• Athletes range in age from 9 to 19 years. The average of age of the competitors is 14.

• The BC Games are held every second year in even calendar years.

• The BC Winter Games are held in late February.

• The BC Summer Games are held in late July.

• The estimated economic impact to host communities is up to $2.6 million.

• 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers are involved in each BC Games.

Learn More:

BC Games Society: www.bcgames.org

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677

Lia Threlfall
Communications and Event Manager
BC Games
250 812-3887