Thousands of B.C.’s best young athletes, along with coaches and officials will gather in the City of Abbotsford for three days of intense competition at the 2016 BC Summer Games.

Athletes will compete in 18 sports ranging from baseball to wrestling, including three events for athletes with a disability (athletics, equestrian and swimming). The 2,441 athletes will be joined by 479 coaches and more than 300 officials in the Fraser Valley’s largest city.

The Government of British Columbia is proud to support these Games with $600,000 in base funding provided to the BC Games Society. The City of Abbotsford, School District #34 and other partners have also contributed funding or in-kind services to help this event be a success.

To further recognize this important provincial celebration of sport and community development, BC Summer Games Week has been officially proclaimed to commence on July 21, 2016.

Many former BC Games competitors have gone on to participate in national and international competitions, including the Canada Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. More than 25 BC Games alumni will soon compete for Team Canada at the Rio 2016 Olympics including: Kirsten Sweetland (triathlon), Richard Weinberger (swimming), William Dean (rowing) and Bo Hedges (wheelchair basketball).

Quotes:

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

“The BC Summer Games have always been a source of pride for this province, and many alumni have gone on to deliver outstanding accomplishments on the world stage. These games provide an opportunity for athletes to gain from the experience of a wider level of competition in their own sport within the dynamics of a multi-sport competition.”

Mike de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West –

“The Abbotsford 2016 BC Summer Games will provide the Fraser Valley – and the rest of the province – with a chance to watch some of the best young athletes in British Columbia. Major sport events like this have a positive impact on the economy both regionally and provincewide.”

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

“Abbotsford is a great community to host the BC Summer Games and our first class facilities and amenities will ensure the thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators will have a fantastic experience they will remember for years to come.”

Simon Gibson, MLA Abbotsford-Mission –

“The City of Abbotsford is a fantastic location for the 2016 BC Summer Games. We have many committed people who have taken on roles and volunteered their time to ensure these games provide a positive memory for everyone attending.”

Kelly Mann, BC Games Society president and CEO –

“The BC Summer Games are a wonderful catalyst for community and sport development. Investments made in Abbotsford sport facilities will give these young athletes a great platform on which to excel.”

Quick Facts:

• This is the 30th BC Summer Games and the second time the City of Abbotsford has hosted since the games debuted in 1978.
• Abbotsford also hosted the BC Summer Games in 2004, the 2002 BC Disability Games and the 2006 BC Seniors Games – now called the 55+ BC Games.
• July 21-24 has been officially proclaimed BC Summer Games Week.
• 3,237 participants will take part in the games – including 2,441 athletes, 479 coaches and 317 officials.
• Competition will take place in 18 sports including three sports for athletes with a disability.
• Participants represent eight geographic zones in the province.
• Roughly 2,500 community volunteers will be involved in the planning and staging of the games with support from the BC Games Society.
• More than 25 BC Games alumni will compete for Team Canada at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.
• BC Games alumnus and 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, Brent Hayden of Mission, will speak to participants at the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 BC Summer Games.

Learn More:

To learn more about the BC Summer Games visit: www.bcgames.org

To get the inside story via BC Games TV visit: https://www.bcgames.org/News/BCGamesTV.aspx

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