Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community Sport and Cultural Development, released the following statement today regarding the start of the Western Canada Summer Games.

“On behalf of Premier Christy Clark and the Government of British Columbia, I want to congratulate the members of Team BC who will be competing at the Western Canada Summer Games in Wood Buffalo, Alberta.

“Our province will be taking on the best in the West and competing against teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

“A contingent of 427 members will make up Team BC at these games, including athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff. Nearly every part of the province will be represented, with 75 of the 85 constituencies in the province sending either an athlete or a staff member.

“The games start today with tennis events taking place in addition to the opening ceremonies, and wrap-up Sunday, Aug. 16 with medal presentations and the closing ceremonies.

“British Columbia athletes will be competing in 16 sport disciplines including soccer, basketball, gymnastics and field athletics. These are the best athletes in the province in their respective sports and age categories, and these Games are a key step in their development towards national teams and international competition.

“I wish each and every member of Team BC the best and know they will all make our province proud.”