Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes issued the following statement today in recognition of BC Summer Games Week - July 14-20, 2014:

“This year’s BC Summer Games are being held in Nanaimo and are expected to attract up to 3,200 athletes, coaches and officials from throughout the province.

“B.C.’s emerging high performance athletes are a source of pride and inspiration for all British Columbians, and for many, the BC Games are a stepping stone to national and international events.

“Carol Huynh, Brent Hayden and Donovan Tildesley are just a few BC Games alumni who continue to inspire young British Columbians to achieve athletic excellence.

“At the Sochi 2014 Games, 18 of the Olympians and Paralympians representing Canada were BC Games alumni, including silver medallist Kelsey Serwa (Ski Cross) and gold medallist Josh Dueck (Para-Alpine). These athletes and many others are living proof of the success of British Columbia’s sport development system.

“The BC Games reach beyond the scope of athletic competition. They have a direct impact on host communities, often leaving a legacy of new or upgraded facilities, trained volunteers and a projected economic boost of as much as $2.6 million.

“The Government of British Columbia is committed to promoting sport participation at every level and for every age, ability, interest and demographic. With targeted sport programming investments of more than $1 billion since 2001, and over $50 million this year alone, we are building a stronger, healthier B.C.”

Media Contacts:

Shannon Hagerman
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677