British Columbia's top young athletes are gathered for three days of intense competition in Mission at the 27th BC Winter Games, opening tonight.

Over 1300 athletes between the ages of 9 and 17 years are competing in 18 sports ranging from ice and snow events like skiing (including para-alpine and para-cross country), hockey and curling to indoor events such as badminton, wheelchair basketball, and judo.

The Government of British Columbia provides base funding for the Games of $525,000. Other partners providing funding and in-kind services include the District of Mission, School District 75, Jazz Air, Global BC, CN, Black Press, and the Mission City Record.

The BC Winter Games feature athletes competing from eight different provincial zones. Many former BC Games competitors have gone on to excel on the world athletic stage. BC Games alumni representing Canada at the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are hockey players Jamie Benn and Carey Price, speed skater Denny Morrison, skiers Kelsey Serwa and Georgia Simmerling, bobsleigher Justin Kripps, and Paralympians Matthew Hallat and Josh Dueck.

The BC Games were established in 1978 and consist of both Summer and Winter Games.

In recognition of the importance of the event, the B.C. Government has proclaimed Feb. 17 - 23 BC Winter Games Week.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"For many of B.C.'s high performance athletes, the journey to the international stage begins at the BC Games. These Games are often the first experience a young athlete has with multi-sport competition, and represent a stepping stone to higher levels of competition. My government is proud to support these athletes."

Kelly Mann, President and CEO, BC Games Society -

"This is where it all begins for young athletes. Hundreds of volunteers in Mission have been preparing for months to welcome the best in B.C. and to see what the future of sport in this province has to offer. It is investments made in sport today that translate directly to the success that Canada is seeing now in Sochi."

Simon Gibson, MLA, Abbotsford-Mission -

"I am especially proud of all the community volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make these games a tremendous experience for all the young athletes who are gathering to compete in Mission. Our sponsors also deserve special credit for helping to make this a truly memorable event for everyone."

Marc Dalton, MLA, Maple Ridge-Mission -

"Mission is excited to be hosting the BC Winter Games. Our community's spirit of volunteerism is demonstrated by the 2000 Missionites who have given of their time and efforts to make these Games a success. Hats off to all of them as we prepare to watch and cheer on athletes from across the province."

Quick Facts:

• The BC Winter Games run from Feb. 20 - 23, 2014.
• There will be over 1800 participants in total, including approximately 1337 athletes, 345 coaches and 176 officials participating in the BC Winter Games.
• Up to 2000 volunteers will contribute to the Games.
• Over 1000 medals will be awarded.
• Based on data from past Winter Games, the estimated economic impact to the host community is $1.8 million.
• Volunteers will prepare more than 25,000 meals over the course of the Games.
• This is the first time Mission has hosted a BC Games.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/12680093335/player/51d5c09fc5

Learn More:

BC Games Society: http://www.bcgames.org/

Media Contact:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-4089