The 2015 Canada Winter Games drew to a close yesterday after two successful weeks of competition. It was a landmark event for the province - the largest multisport and cultural event ever held in northern B.C. and the first ever Canada Winter Games to take place in British Columbia.

The City of Prince George and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation played host to more than 15,000 visitors and participants from Feb. 13 to March 1, 2015, as 2,400 athletes from across the nation gathered to compete in 19 sports.

Team BC had an impressive performance at the Games, finishing in third place overall with a final tally of 88 medals - 21 gold, 34 silver and 33 bronze. Quebec and Ontario were first and second in the medal standings.

Week 2 of the Games built upon the success of B.C. athletes in Week 1, with 47 medals earned during this final week of competition. The closing ceremonies marked the end of the 2015 Canada Winter Games as dignitaries, athletes, coaches, families, friends and volunteers gathered to celebrate the spirit and success of this national event.

Quotes:

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

“The 2015 Canada Winter Games was an undeniable success. During the past two weeks, Prince George has come alive with the spirit of celebration, national unity and community pride. I know these Games will be talked about for years to come as one of the most memorable moments in people’s lives. I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved including Host Society board chair Anthony Everett, CEO Stu Ballantyne, their teams and the thousands of volunteers who made these Games possible. I would also like to congratulate Team BC members for their many podium finishes and for being such wonderful ambassadors for our province.”

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount -

“As a lifelong resident of Prince George I am incredibly proud of the job that the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and our Host First Nation did to welcome athletes and visitors from across the country. The last two weeks have been filled with athletic accomplishments, concerts, fireworks and non-stop activities that won't soon be forgotten. But perhaps the most important legacy of these Games will be the impression that thousands of visitors will take away with them from our region. They will leave with a much better understanding of why we love where we live.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

“The Games have provided many athletes with the opportunity to participate in high-level competition, which is a great foundation for participating in future sporting events. In addition to sport, the Games have also celebrated arts and culture. So many people have worked tirelessly to make sure that the first-ever winter edition of the Canada Games in B.C. was an unforgettable experience, and I thank all of them for their efforts.”

• The Government of British Columbia has invested more than $12.8 million in the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
• The Games are estimated to generate $70-$90 million in economic activity.
• It is estimated the Games attracted more than 15,000 visitors to Prince George and the region.
• Lheidli T’enneh was the Official Host First Nation - the first in the history of the Canada Games.
• The Games featured 19 sports, with activities at over 30 sport and non-sport venues.
•  3,400 athletes, coaches and managers from over 800 communities representing all of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories participated in the Games.
• Team BC sent 350 athletes, coaches and mission staff to represent British Columbia at the Games.
• Athletes competed in 19 sports, including: Alpine and para-alpine skiing, archery, artistic gymnastics and trampoline, badminton, biathlon, cross-country and para-nordic skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, hockey, judo, ringette, snowboarding, speed skating, squash, synchronized swimming, table tennis, target shooting and wheelchair basketball.
• 4,500 volunteers made the Games possible with round-the-clock support and hospitality.
• The Northern BC Career Zone, hosted by the Province at the festival site, drew approximately 10,000 people to a pavilion highlighting the many educational and career opportunities available in the North.
• The Games featured an Arts and Cultural Festival with artists and performers from throughout the province and Canada.
• More than 150 British Columbians participated as 2015 Canada Winter Games torchbearers - a tradition that began with the inception of the Games 48 years ago.
• Quesnel, Fort St. John and Terrace hosted 2015 Canada Winter Games Regional Torch Relay Community Celebrations.
• The Canada Games began in 1967. The Games are held every two years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games.
• B.C. hosted Canada Summer Games in 1993 (Kamloops) and 1973 (Burnaby and New Westminster).
• The next Canada Winter Games will be held in Red Deer, Alberta in 2019.
• The next Canada Summer Games will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2017.

Learn More:

For final medal standings, go to: http://ow.ly/JEyBM

For more information on Team BC, visit: http://www.teambc.org/

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334