In recognition of the central role sport plays in enriching the lives of British Columbians and in celebration of the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, today proclaimed 2015 The Year of Sport in British Columbia.

British Columbia’s proclamation joins jurisdictions and organizations across the country to promote Canada’s position as a leading sport nation. It also upholds sport as a vital part of the cultural fabric of the nation, as asserted in the federal government’s proclamation of the Year of Sport in Canada.

In addition to celebrating the 2015 Canada Winter Games taking place in Prince George, the proclamation draws attention to other 2015 sporting events in communities throughout B.C., including the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada, the IPC Para-Alpine World Cup, 55+ BC Games and the BC Special Olympics Winter Games.

The proclamation coincides with the second week of competition of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, the largest multisport and cultural event ever held in northern B.C. The Games is expected to draw 15,000 fans and supporters to the region, generating an estimated economic impact of $70-$90 million.

Team BC had tremendous success during the first week of competition on home soil, bringing home a total of 41 medals - 12 Gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze - and placing third in the overall standings.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

“This proclamation celebrates the formidable role British Columbia has as a leader in sport. It emphasizes the tremendous social, economic and health benefits of sport; and expresses gratitude for the volunteers, coaches, officials, and organizations in this sector. In all, this proclamation captures the spirit and sentiments of British Columbians as the nation’s spotlight shines on our great province during the 2015 Canada Winter Games. I could not be more proud of Team BC’s performance during Week 1 of this landmark event. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond -

“It has been an amazing journey for our community to become the host of the 2015 Canada Games. The last week has been a celebration of athletic and cultural excellence supported by an army of volunteers, sponsors and organizers.‎ I couldn't be more proud of our city and region for demonstrating to the country why we love where we live! I can't wait to see what the next week and the Year of Sport holds for us.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris -

“There is so much to cheer about as we celebrate Team BC’s impressive accomplishments during Week 1 of the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The results are a reflection of the tremendous talent in this province as well as the strength of our sport development system. What a great segue to B.C.’s Proclamation of the Year of Sport.”

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell -

“Congratulations to all Team BC athletes for their fantastic performances during the first week of the 2015 Canada Winter Games. As a Paralympian, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of sport and the pure joy of high performance, multi-sport competition. Good luck to all Week 2 competitors.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has provided more than $1 billion in funding to support the sport sector.
• British Columbia has one of the highest participation rates in sport in the country and currently hosts more than 100 national and international events every year.
• The Government of British Columbia partners with key provincial sport organizations, led by ViaSport British Columbia, including the BC Games Society; disability sport organizations; the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific; and the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council.
• The Government of British Columbia also works with the Government of Canada and national partners, including Own the Podium, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
• The federal proclamation of The Year of Sport in Canada celebrates the role sport plays in our Canadian identity and is intended to build momentum leading up to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

For up-to-date results on Team BC, go to: http://ow.ly/J8b6Y

To learn more about the Canada Winter Games, go to: http://www.canadagames2015.ca/

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462