As we close out the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke and look ahead to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014, I want to congratulate B.C. athletes and coaches and let British Columbians know what a tremendous sport system we have in this province. We've got something really special here and we have reason to be proud.

In the past week, I have had the privilege of attending two major multi-sport events featuring some of B.C.'s most dedicated athletes.

Wednesday night, I had the honour of lighting the torch to officially open the BC Seniors Games in Kamloops. These games are a celebration of active and healthy living at all ages that generate $3 million for the provincial economy - no small change.

But it's the individual stories behind the games that are so inspiring. For example, the oldest female athlete at the games this year, Olga Kotelko, is competing in 11 track and field events. At 94, she has won over 700 gold medals. And she didn't even start training in track and field until she was 77 years old!

The oldest male athlete, Fred Schulhof - also 94 - holds 24 Canadian swimming records and is competing in five events at this year's games. Both are inspiring examples of lifelong fitness and proof that it is never too late to get active.

At the other end of the spectrum are British Columbia's up and coming young stars - many of whom travelled to Sherbrooke, Quebec as part of Team BC for the Canada Summer Games.

And they did not disappoint. This group was a force to be reckoned with, finishing with 122 medals. When you consider that they came third in the nation, behind only Ontario and Quebec, the enormity of their accomplishment starts to become clear.

It wasn't just the athletes who excelled. Team BC's mission staff earned the Claude Hardy award for the Mission Team that best exhibits leadership, co-operation, integrity and great morale. I congratulate Team BC athletes, coaches, mission staff and volunteers, as well as esteemed flag-bearers, Ashley Osachuk and Ben Chow.

The Sherbrooke Canada Games were special for another reason too. They were a wonderful learning opportunity for B.C. as we get set to host the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George. Receiving the Canada Games torch as it passed from Sherbrooke to Prince George at the Closing Ceremony was a thrilling moment.

For Team BC, the 2015 Games will mean another chance to shine on the national stage - and this time, to do it at home. For northern B.C., the games are projected to be the biggest multi-sport event ever held, bringing in over $70 million in economic benefits. And the social and cultural legacies will be immeasurable. For all British Columbians, the games will be yet another reason to be proud of our sport sector.

Our sport system really is one of B.C.'s great success stories and we stand behind our athletes. That's why we've invested over $1 billion in funding for sport since 2001 and are providing over $50 million this year alone. These are sound investments that encourage us all to live active, healthy lives. The BC Seniors Games and the Sherbrooke Canada Summer Games are shining examples of sport inspiration. All British Columbians have reason to be proud.

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