Building on the successes of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 and World Rugby Sevens, the Province of British Columbia is welcoming the world once again as we help bring the first-ever Americas Masters Games to Vancouver.

This multi-sport event will see athletes from around the globe compete in 24 sports during the nine-day event at venues throughout Vancouver, including the University of British Columbia, Kitsilano Beach, Stanley Park and the new Southeast False Creek Paddling Centre.

The Americas Masters Games are designed specifically for participants aged 30 and over, who want to continue striving towards athletic success, while having fun in the process.

The $400,000 in funding from the Province includes $50,000 from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for general hosting of the event and $350,000 from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training through the Tourism Events Program (TEP). This program is designed to support events that increase global recognition for the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Peter Fassbender –

“This is a very exciting time for British Columbia as we welcome another major international sporting event to our province. I hope people from all over B.C. take the opportunity to witness these fine competitors at the many events throughout Vancouver that will take place later this summer.”

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, Shirley Bond –

“The Province is pleased to host the first Americas Masters Games in Vancouver. British Columbia has been a leader in hosting national and international sporting events, resulting in significant economic and tourism benefits. We look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from around the world!”

CEO of Sport BC and the Americas Masters Games Vancouver 2016, Rob Newman –

“The Americas Masters Games represents a great opportunity for our provincial sport organizations to showcase their sports. Our team is ready to host yet another great world class event in Vancouver.”

Quick Facts:

• This will be the first ever Americas Masters Games, taking place in Vancouver Aug. 26 – Sept. 4, 2016.
• Athletes at the Americas Masters Games will be competing in 24 sports including golf, soccer, volleyball and hockey.
• These games promote and encourage mature athletes (minimum age requirement of 30 years) to continue practicing competitive sport, while offering stimulating social interaction in a festival atmosphere.
• Registration is open until July 29, 2016, and athletes are encouraged to register soon to ensure their spot.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Americas Masters Games, visit: https://www.americasmastersgames2016.com/

To learn more about the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/community-sport-and-cultural-development

To learn more about the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/jobs-tourism-and-skills-training