Over the next three days, British Columbia’s best young athletes will gather in Kamloops for the 2018 BC Winter Games.

“Olympic fever is still in the air, and this is an exciting, inspirational time for all B.C. athletes,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The B.C. government congratulates the athletes from everywhere in the province who are competing in Kamloops this weekend. We proudly support our young athletes and are cheering on all competitors to achieve their personal best!”

More than 1,200 athletes between the ages of nine and 17 years are competing in 19 different sports, ranging from ice and snow events, such as alpine skiing, to indoor competitions, such as curling and rhythmic gymnastics. Athletes are supported by over 340 coaches and close to 200 officials who will share their knowledge and expertise.

The Games have a positive and lasting impact on the City of Kamloops, with more than 1,800 volunteers participating and an estimated economic impact of up to $1.6 million.

“Kamloops is ready to host the 2018 BC Winter Games, and we are excited to welcome B.C.’s athletes, coaches and officials to the Tournament Capital of Canada,” said Niki Remesz, president, Kamloops 2018 BC Winter Games. “The culmination of vision, leadership and volunteerism support us in community and unite us provincially. We stand stronger together to welcome the province’s best young athletes.”

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games were established in 1978 to bring the province together in the spirit of sport and friendship. Over the past 40 years, the Games have been held in 38 communities in B.C., involving more than 350,000 participants and volunteers. This year, to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the BC Games Society, the Province declared 2018 as The Year of the BC Games.

“Athletes, coaches, and officials from throughout British Columbia are ready for a memorable journey and an exceptional sport experience in Kamloops,” said Kelly Mann, president and CEO, BC Games Society. “We look forward to seeing these young athletes compete this weekend at the 2018 BC Winter Games, and we know that many will be inspired to follow their dreams. With 40 years of success, we are proud of the impact the BC Games have had on the lives of thousands of athletes, including the 16 BC Games alumni currently at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.”

The Province invests close to $50 million in sport annually, including $2 million to the BC Games Society to support the biennial BC Summer and Winter Games, and prepare future Team BC athletes for the Canada Games.

Quick Facts:

• The 29th BC Winter Games will take place in Kamloops from Feb. 22 to 25, 2018.
• This is the third time Kamloops has hosted the BC Games. Kamloops was the host of the inaugural BC Winter Games in 1979, as well as the 2006 BC Summer Games.
• The 2018 BC Summer Games will take place in the Cowichan Valley from July 19 to 22. This is the second time the region has hosted the BC Games.
• The Province provides $2 million to host biennial BC Winter Games and BC Summer Games and to prepare future Team BC athletes for the Canada Games.
• The BC Games Society Powering Potential Fund contributed an additional $40,000 to sport infrastructure and equipment, based on the region’s requirements and the needs of the BC Winter Games.
• The City of Kamloops provides $45,000 cash and $50,000 in in-kind services to the Games. School District #73 provides classrooms as dorms and facilities for sports and other events.
• Sixteen BC Games alumni are currently competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Learn More:

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