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Kelowna Marks ‘One Year Out’ With Celebration at Falcons Game

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BC Summer Games returns to Kelowna in 2026, for the fourth time in its history

Kelowna, BC — Under the warm Okanagan sun at Elks Stadium on Sunday, local leaders, Games alumni, and baseball fans came together to mark a major milestone: exactly one year to go until Kelowna welcomes the province for the 2026 BC Summer Games.

Before the Kelowna Falcons took to the field, a short ceremony celebrated the official “One Year Out” countdown to the Games, which will see as many as 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials descend on the city next July.

The pre-game event was led by the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Board of Directors, with remarks from Mayor Tom Dyas, Games President, Devin Rubadeau, and Twyla Lindley, Director of Indigenous Engagement for the Games. All three spoke to the spirit of sport, the power of community, and the opportunities the Games bring to youth across the province.

Following the speeches, Mayor Dyas and Councillor Maxine DeHart received the BC Games flag. The handoff was followed by cheers from the crowd, and a well-aimed ceremonial first pitch from Rubadeau to officially start the night’s game.

A pop-up information booth at the stadium provided fans with details about the upcoming Games and how to get involved, including opportunities for the 2,500+ volunteers needed to help host the event. This will be the 34th BC Summer Games and the fourth time Kelowna has played host.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Games back to Kelowna,” said Rubadeau. “These Games are about more than competition. They’re about building confidence, leadership, and friendships that last far beyond the medal count.”

Set to take place over five days July 2026, the Games will include 19 sports, from athletics to wrestling, and will reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of sport in BC, including events for Special Olympics athletes, as well as para-swimming events.

With just one year to go, organizers say planning is ramping up, and Sunday’s celebration was just the beginning. For more information on the 2026 BC Summer Games and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.bcgames.org

PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the BC Games Board of Directors and BC Games alumni join Mayor Tom Dyas and Councillor Maxine DeHart on the field at Elks Stadium for the official “One Year Out” celebration for the 2026 BC Summer Games, coming to Kelowna next July.

Media Contact

Christina Skinner

Public Relations Chair, Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games pr@bcsummergames.ca

BC Games Society announces sport package for Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games

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The BC Games Society has announced the full contingent of sports that will take part in the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games from July 22 to 26, 2026.

DOWNLOAD SPORT PACKAGE

Just over 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials will participate across 19 sports in Kelowna, which previously hosted the BC Games in 1980, 1994, and 2008.

Earlier in 2025, Horse Council BC, Basketball BC, and BC Soccer announced the withdrawal of equestrian, 3×3 basketball, and soccer from the 2026 BC Summer Games. All accredited provincial or disability sport organizations will be invited to apply or reapply for inclusion in the 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.

Inclusion of sports in the BC Games is determined through the Core Sport Policy. The policy outlines the criteria that provincial and disability sport organizations must meet to qualify and ensures that the BC Games continues to deliver exceptional experiences through sport to young athletes from all over the province.

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games are British Columbia’s biennial celebration of sport and community. Since 1978, the BC Games have had over 370,000 participants and volunteers, plus thousands more attend as spectators and supporters.

To learn more about the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games, visit bcsummergames.ca.

AGES GENDER SPORT ATHLETES COACHES OFFICIALS TOTAL
11–15 M & F Artistic Swimming 56 16 17 89
14–15 M & F Athletics 288 32 41 361
12–40 M & F Athletics-Special Olympics 16 4 1 21
15U; 16U M & F Baseball 128 24 22 174
U14 M Basketball-Boys 80 16 11 107
U14 F Basketball-Girls 80 16 11 107
17U M & F Beach Volleyball 32 16 8 56
15–16 M & F Box Lacrosse 152 32 14 198
13–16; U19 M & F Canoe/Kayak 104 32 25 161
14–15 M & F Field Lacrosse 152 32 14 198
12–16 M & F Golf 48 16 15 79
U17 M & F Rowing 64 16 12 92
U17 F Rugby-Girls 96 24 12 132
U15; U19 M & F Sailing 72 16 7 95
U15 F Softball-Girls 120 32 12 164
U15 M & F Swimming 160 16 30 206
13–30 M & F Swimming-Para 8 3 1 12
12–40 M & F Swimming-Special Olympics 24 6 1 31
10–17 M & F Towed Water Sports 48 16 20 84
14–15 M & F Triathlon 52 16 8 76
13–15 M & F Ultimate 112 16 0 128
15U M Volleyball-Boys 112 16 6 134
15U F Volleyball-Girls 112 16 6 134
14–17 M & F Wrestling 136 16 14 166
     TOTALS   2252 445 308 3005

Alison Noble, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“The BC Games are a crucial step in the sport development pathway in British Columbia and the 2026 BC Summer Games represent an exciting opportunity for athletes, coaches, and officials across these 19 sports to create lasting memories. Kelowna has a long history of hosting successful BC Games and we look forward to watching B.C.’s up and coming athletes develop and experience the magic of the Games once again 2026.”

Diane St-Denis, Executive Director, Softball BC
“The BC Summer Games offer a vital development opportunity for softball athletes, coaches, and umpires. This multi-sport event serves as a natural stepping stone for those aiming to compete at higher levels, including the Canada Games and the national team. Participants can aspire to follow in the footsteps of BC Games alumni and Olympic bronze medalists Emma Entzminger and Sara Groenewegen. Additionally, the Games provide an excellent platform for umpires looking to advance to pan-provincial and national competitions.”

MEDIA CONTACT

David Conlin
Senior Manager-Marketing and Communications
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

Volunteers Put ‘Pens to Paper’ in Preparation for 2026 BC Winter Games

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TRAIL, BC, May 29, 2025 — Last week’s Key Volunteer Rally for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games began with a fitting etymology lesson. The word amateur, derived from the Latin amator, refers to someone who pursues an activity for the love of it rather than as a profession. “In that sense, not only are our athletes amateurs—but so are you,” said Games President Brian Stefani, addressing a room full of passionate volunteers gathered at the Trail Memorial Centre on Friday. United by their love of sport and community, each attendee embodied the true spirit of amateurism.

The Trail-Rossland region has a proud legacy of hosting provincial sporting events, including the BC Summer Games in 1996 and the Winter Games in 1982 and 2006. While the communities have evolved significantly over the past two decades, their commitment to supporting youth and sport remains as strong as ever. “I’m not very sporty,” admitted Katherine Shearer, Superintendent of School District No. 20, who attended the rally alongside many current and former SD20 staff. “But sharing in the joy of our youth as they compete builds a profound sense of belonging.”

Earlier today, the Host Community Sport meeting welcomed over a dozen Provincial Advisors—representatives from the organizations that oversee each sport in the Games—to the region. Each advisor was matched with a local Sport Chair, who was selected by community sport clubs. Together, they toured the competition venues located between Castlegar and Fruitvale. The Sport Chairs will act as tournament directors during the Games in February 2026.

These exchanges marked a key milestone in Games planning. “Today was a huge step forward,” said Director of Sport James Brotherhood, who leads the team of Sport Chairs along with four other members of the Sport Directorate. “It was pens to paper—maps drawn and strategies aligned.” Decisions made during these planning sessions, including the allocation of provincial funding, will leave a lasting impact on the region’s sport infrastructure.

Some of the day’s work took place at Red Mountain, where Josh Dueck, Executive Director of Freestyle BC, met with Ryan LaChapelle, local Sport Chair for freestyle skiing and Club Director of Team GIVE’R. Though planning is still in its early stages, discussions are already underway about potential upgrades to terrain features and storage facilities—enhancements that could benefit the community for years to come. For Josh, the vision extends beyond the competition itself. “Sport is a powerful tool for change, he said. “When athletes march into the Opening Ceremony and feel the energy of these communities, it will be transformational. That moment may become a turning point in their lives. The real win lies in the anticipation, in the creation of this opportunity—for the athletes, and for the community. The competition is just the cherry on top.”

Media Contact
Andras Lukacs
Director of Marketing
Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games
andras@bcwintergames.ca

BC Soccer to withdraw from the 2026 BC Summer Games

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Soccer has been part of the BC Games since its debut at the Penticton 1978 BC Summer Games.

“BC Soccer has been a valued partner since the very first BC Summer Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We thank the many soccer alumni, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the Games since 1978.”

While soccer will not be part of the 2026 BC Summer Games, all accredited Provincial and Disability Sports Organizations in British Columbia will have the opportunity to apply for inclusion in the 2028 BC Winter or BC Summer Games.

Read the full bulletin from BC Soccer.

Celebrating the life and contributions of Cindy Simpson

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The BC Games Society is saddened to learn of the passing of Cindy Simpson. Cindy was a career sport volunteer, holding numerous positions on the Board of the BC Senior Games Society over the last 25 years and serving as the longtime Provincial Advisor for badminton at the BC Games.

Her passion for sport, badminton, and Games was contagious. Cindy’s impact in the sport sector has been far and wide reaching, and she was a major proponent of the benefits of sport and the impact of Games to athletes, coaches, officials, and communities. 

We have compiled tributes to Cindy below from the members of the BC Games Society staff who worked closest with her over the years.

Cindy was a force … always stepping up and following through, generous with her time, talents, and expertise, giving of her seemingly never-ending energy, and as an articulate and outspoken advocate, her passions always shone through in the most respectful and considerate ways. I was fortunate to have worked alongside Cindy in multiple capacities – at some BC Games or another, at functions and events, collaborating with her to improve BC Games Society and BC Seniors Games Society systems, and most notably, as a member of our Mission Staff team for the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. I consider myself fortunate to have had her as a colleague and privileged to call her a friend. The little decorated shuttle she made has had a home on my desk since she gave it to me many years ago – it always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart with memories of Cindy and times spent with her!

– Irene Schell | Senior Manager, Operations and Technology, BC Games Society

“I have been fortunate enough to cross pathways of life with Cindy in many forms, either through projects with the 55+ BC Games, Badminton community, and the BC Winter Games, or even through small world connections as her daughter, Debra, was a well-liked afterschool care manager for my children. Debra takes on her mom’s values of leadership and effectiveness with a caring and genuine approach to people. Cindy was a special person and it’s sad that she has played her last match, but I feel she excelled in the tournament of life.”

– Andrew Pitre | Senior Manager, Winter Games, BC Games Society

Cindy was a tireless champion of the 55+ BC Games and a fierce advocate for the BC Seniors Games Society and its members. Beyond that, she was a passionate contributor to British Columbia’s sport community – especially in her beloved sport of badminton. Most of all, Cindy was an incredibly kind and thoughtful person. I’ll always treasure the memories we shared – whether it was sharing stories on the bus during the Sport Venue Tour in Vernon, hitting a few balls on the driving range in Cranbrook, or receiving a surprise hand-knit blanket she made for my newborn daughter. Cindy will be deeply missed.

– Kyler Nurmsoo | Senior Manager, Summer Games, BC Games Society

 

Cindy was a force … always stepping up and following through, generous with her time, talents, and expertise, giving of her seemingly never-ending energy, and as an articulate and outspoken advocate, her passions always shone through in the most respectful and considerate ways. I was fortunate to have worked alongside Cindy in multiple capacities – at some BC Games or another, at functions and events, collaborating with her to improve BC Games Society and BC Seniors Games Society systems, and most notably, as a member of our Mission Staff team for the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. I consider myself fortunate to have had her as a colleague and privileged to call her a friend. The little decorated shuttle she made has had a home on my desk since she gave it to me many years ago – it always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart with memories of Cindy and times spent with her!

– Irene Schell | Senior Manager, Operations and Technology, BC Games Society

“I have been fortunate enough to cross pathways of life with Cindy in many forms, either through projects with the 55+ BC Games, Badminton community, and the BC Winter Games, or even through small world connections as her daughter, Debra, was a well-liked afterschool care manager for my children. Debra takes on her mom’s values of leadership and effectiveness with a caring and genuine approach to people. Cindy was a special person and it’s sad that she has played her last match, but I feel she excelled in the tournament of life.”

– Andrew Pitre | Senior Manager, Winter Games, BC Games Society

Cindy was a tireless champion of the 55+ BC Games and a fierce advocate for the BC Seniors Games Society and its members. Beyond that, she was a passionate contributor to British Columbia’s sport community – especially in her beloved sport of badminton. Most of all, Cindy was an incredibly kind and thoughtful person. I’ll always treasure the memories we shared – whether it was sharing stories on the bus during the Sport Venue Tour in Vernon, hitting a few balls on the driving range in Cranbrook, or receiving a surprise hand-knit blanket she made for my newborn daughter. Cindy will be deeply missed.

– Kyler Nurmsoo | Senior Manager, Summer Games, BC Games Society

 

Basketball BC withdraws 3×3 Basketball from 2026 BC Summer Games

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Basketball BC has announced that its 3×3 program will be withdrawn from the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games to allow the organization to reevaluate how the sport aligns with the BC Games and Canada Basketball’s sport development pathway.

Basketball BC has run its 3×3 program at the BC Games since the 2014 BC Summer Games in Nanaimo. The organization plans to reevaluate the development of 3×3 basketball in the province and come back to the BC Games stronger in the future.

“Basketball BC remains committed to growing and enhancing 3×3 basketball in the province,” said Shawn Dheensaw, Executive Director of Basketball BC. “While we have made the difficult decision to withdraw 3×3 from the BC Summer Games, this allows us to realign the competition with the objectives of the Games and strengthen the overall development pathway for athletes, coaches, and officials.

“Our goal is to create sustainable opportunities for participation and excellence in 3×3 basketball and possibly participating in the BC Summer Games in the future.”

Basketball BC will continue to be involved in the BC Summer Games through the 5-on-5 program, providing opportunities for B.C.’s athletes, coaches, and officials from the sport to continue to participate in the BC Games.

“While we are sad that 3×3 basketball will not be part of the 2026 BC Summer Games, we appreciate Basketball BC’s commitment to growing the sport and welcome future discussions when the time is right to explore its return to the BC Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.

“We are excited that our partnership with Basketball BC will continue through the 5-on-5 program and we value the long-standing collaboration between our organizations.”

The opportunity to apply for inclusion in the BC Winter or BC Summer Games is extended to all accredited Provincial and Disability Sport Organizations in B.C., including those that have previously withdrawn, ahead of each Games cycle. The next opportunity to apply will be announced prior to the 2028 BC Winter and BC Summer Games.

About the BC Games Society

Established in 1977 by the B.C. Government under the Societies Act, the BC Games Society (the Society) oversees the BC Winter Games and BC Summer Games. The Society also supports the participation of Team BC, the provincial team competing at Canada Games, in national multi-sport Games. Each of these Games provide opportunities for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition. The BC Games also provide important economic and tourism benefits, allowing hosts to profile their communities and benefit from an economic impact in the range of $1.6 million to $2 million. The legacies of the BC Winter and BC Summer Games allow for capacity building in communities across the province resulting in a stronger British Columbia.

Jake Rudolph receives Presidents’ Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer contributions

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Jake Rudolph has been named the BC Games Society’s recipient for the Presidents’ Awards, given to volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through the dedication, commitment, and tireless energy they give to their sport organizations.

The Presidents’ Awards are formally presented as part of Sport BC’s 57th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday, March 6.

Rudolph served as Director of Sport for the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games, working tirelessly to facilitate competition at the Games in collaboration with local and provincial sport organizations. He demonstrated outstanding commitment to the

Rudolph recently retired from public life, having served at the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Nanaimo, The City of Pitt Meadows and the Deputy City manager of the City of Abbotsford and the General Manager at the City of Maple Ridge. He has been a Director of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, serving several leadership roles in the organization. Among his many volunteer roles, Rudolph is a Past President and Board Member of the Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association where he and the team organized many amazing provincial tournaments.

He is one of 38 recipients of the President’s Award in 2025 — eleven of whom have been recent or long-standing volunteers with the BC Games Society or Team BC.

To read the full Sport BC release on the Presidents’ Awards, visit sportbc.com.

ABOUT SPORT BC PRESIDENTS’ AWARDS

Sport BC recognizes the importance of volunteers in sport. The significant role volunteers play in the sport sector is celebrated through Sport BC’s Presidents’ Awards. The Presidents’ Awards presented by Sports With Balls are given to volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through the dedication, commitment, and tireless energy they give to their sport organizations. The 38 recipients will be celebrated during Sport BC’s 57th Athlete of the Year Awards taking place on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Congratulations to the 2025 Presidents’ Awards Recipients, thank you for all you do for sport in British Columbia.

 

  SPORT ORGANIZATION             2025 PRESIDENTS’ AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Badminton BC Michael Khoo*
Basketball BC Ken Olynyk
BC Adaptive Snowsports Russell Vida
BC Archery Greg Birtwistle
BC Athletics Dawn Driver*
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Sean Cowie
BC Diving Sven Batalla
BC Games Society Jake Rudolph*
BC Golf Barbara Rainey
BC Hockey Randy Henderson*
BC Lacrosse Penni King
BC Netball Sabrina Versteeg*
BC Seniors Games Society Gordon Oates
BC Snowboard Steven Hills
BC Soccer Stuart Wright
BC Sport Cheer Alyssa Bradford
BC Sports Hall Stan Wong
BC Wheelchair Basketball Darlene Antoniuk
BC Wheelchair Sports Kelly Smith*
BC Women & Sport Brenda Chinn*
BC Wrestling Boxing BC Sucha Mann*
Curl BC Neil Campbell
Field Hockey BC Colbin Wong
Football BC Drew Kightley
Gymnastics BC Graham Dodd
Judo BC Donna Hansen
Karate BC Michael Scales*
KidSport Patti Hunter
PacificSport Fraser Valley Stephanie Eby
Rowing BC David Miege
Skate Canada BC/YT Section Joanne Nickel*
Softball BC Squash BC Lavaughn Larson Tasha Doucas
SportMedBC Joseph Stern
Triathlon BC Peter Denny
Volleyball BC Water Polo West Barton Lim*
* Denotes BC Games connection

BC Games and Team BC alumni among finalists at Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards

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Sport BC is set to host the 57th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday night, March 7, and 19 BC Games or Team BC alumni have been recognized with nominations for major awards.

Among those nominated are BC Games alumni and Olympic hammer throwing champions Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, who are up for Senior Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Also vying for Senior Female Athlete of the Year is Team BC alumni Shallon Olsen, who attended her third Olympic Games in Paris.

BC Games alumnus Nathan Clement, who won silver at the Paralympic Games in Paris, and Team BC alumnus Sebastian Massabie, who won Paralympic gold while setting a world record, are both finalists for Male Athlete of the Year.

Zachary Clay, who competed at both the BC Games and the Canada Games for Team BC, will be awarded the Harry Jerome Comeback Award after making an incredible recovery from injury to represent Canada in Paris.

For more information about the Athlete of the Year Awards, visit sportbc.com.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

*BC Games or Team BC alumni

Harry Jerome Comeback Award
*Zachary Clay – Artistic Gymnastics (2006 BCWG) (2011 CWG)

Female Athlete with a Disability
Danielle Ellis (White Rock, BC) – Sitting Volleyball
Julia Hanes (Vancouver, BC) – Para Athletics (Seated Throws)
Maggie Manning (Salmon Arm, BC) – Para Ice Hockey

Male Athlete with a Disability
*Nathan Clement (West Vancouver, BC) – Para Cycling (2010 BCSG – para swimming)
Cody Fournie (Victoria, BC) – Para Athletics (Wheelchair Racing)
*Sebastian Massabie (Surrey, BC) – Para Swimming (2022 CSG)

Female Coach of the Year
Laura Brown (North Vancouver, BC) – Cycling
Karen Kos (North Vancouver, BC) – Ice Hockey
*Dorina Stan (North Vancouver, BC) – Gymnastics (2004 BCWG – Coach) (2011 & 2015 CWG – Manager)

Male Coach of the Year
*Dylan Armstrong (Kamloops, BC) – Athletics (1995 BCSG – Athlete) (2001 CSG – Athlete)
*Igor Gantsevich (Richmond, BC) – Fencing (2002 BCWG – Athlete) (2003 CWG – Athlete)
*Richard Ikeda (Kamloops, BC) – Gymnastics (2006 & 2010 BCWG – Coach) (1991 CWG – Athlete; 2011 CWG – Manager; 2023 CWG – Coach)

High School Female Athlete of the Year
Agnia Krakovska (Maple Ridge, BC) – Wrestling (Maple Ridge Secondary)
*Talia Phangura (Surrey, BC) – Athletics (North Surrey Secondary) (2022 BCSG)
Miah Schuurman (Chilliwack, BC) – Basketball & Volleyball (Unity Christian School)

High School Male Athlete of the Year
Cole Bugden (Vernon, BC) – Basketball, Football & Golf (Vernon Senior Secondary)
Michealjeet Grewal (Abbotsford, BC) – Wrestling (WJ Mouat Secondary)
Emmet Ward (North Vancouver, BC) – Basketball, Football, Rugby & Track and Field (Windsor Secondary)

Junior Female Athlete of the Year
*Chloe Primerano (North Vancouver, BC) – Ice Hockey (2023 CWG)
*Amy Lee (Langley, BC) – Golf (2022 BCSG)
*Brooklyn Lee-McMeeken (Pitt Meadows, BC) – Gymnastics (2023 CWG)

Junior Male Athlete of the Year
*Isaac Boehmer (Penticton, BC) – Soccer (2012 BCSG)
*Lowan Le Bris (Surrey, BC) – Judo (2020 & 2022 BCWG) (2023 CWG)
Nick Zhang (Vancouver, BC) – Fencing

Senior Female Athlete of the Year
Caileigh Filmer (Victoria, BC) – Rowing
*Shallon Olsen (Surrey, BC) – Gymnastics (2011 & 2015 CWG)
*Camryn Rogers (Richmond, BC) – Athletics (2014 BCSG)

Senior Male Athlete of the Year
Amar Dhesi (Surrey, BC) – Wrestling
Raymond Huang (Vancouver, BC) – Archery
*Ethan Katzberg (Nanaimo, BC) – Athletics (2016 BCSG)

Post Secondary Athlete of the Year
Nicolas Huerta –Track and Field (TWU)
Marie-Eloise Leclair – Track and Field (SFU)
Diego Maffia – Basketball (UVic)
Garrett Rooker – Football (UBC)
Katalin Tolnai – Soccer (UBC)

Team of the Year
UBC Thunderbirds Women’s Soccer
UVIC Vikes Women’s Field Hockey
Team Canada National Junior Squash Team

Master Athlete of the Year
Betty Brussel (New Westminster, BC) – Swimming
Gerald Poulton (Victoria, BC) – Squash
Diane Silzer (North Vancouver, BC) – Speed Skating

Official of the Year
*Kevin Bowie (Vancouver, BC) – Wheelchair Rugby (2007 CWG – Wheelchair Basketball Athlete) (2008 BCWG – Wheelchair Basketball Official)
*Brian Hiebert (Vancouver, BC) – Beach Volleyball (1994 & 1995 BCSG – Volleyball Athlete) 2016 BCSG – Official)
*Andree Montreuil (Quebec City, QC) – Gymnastics (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2020 BCWG – Official)

BC Games and Team BC alumni ready to shine at Special Olympics World Winter Games

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The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 are taking place March 8-15, 2025 and 13 BC Games and Team BC alumni are set to represent Canada on the international stage.

The World Games are the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement and have grown to be an international demonstration of inclusion, acceptance, and unity. The event takes place every two years, alternating between summer and winter.

1,500 athletes from over 100 countries will compete in eight sports throughout the Piedmont Region of Italy in the first World Winter Games since 2017. Canada will send 90 athletes and 24 coaches for competition across five sports.

A full list of alumni attending the World Winter Games is available below. For more information on Team Canada, visit teamcanada.specialolympics.ca.

Athletes

  • Ron Greenhorn – Alpine Skiing (2000 & 2002 BCWG & 2014 BCSG – Athletics)
  • Sebastian Gylander – Cross Country Skiing (2024 BCSG – Swimming)
  • Matthew Lai – Figure Skating (2012 BCSG – Athletics, 2016 & 2018 BCWG / 2011 & 2015 CWG)
  • Tracey Melesko – Cross-Country Skiing (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 & 2004 BCSG – Athletics)
  • Alexander Pang – Figure Skating (2014 BCWG – Basketball)
  • Yorke Parkin – Alpine Skiing (2024 BCSG – Swimming)
  • Danielle Pechet – Snowshoeing (2022 BCSG – Athletics)
  • Kailyn Potomak – Alpine Skiing (2018 BCSG – Basketball)
  • Francis Stanley – Cross-Country Skiing (2014 BCSG – Basketball)
  • Ariel Taylor – Snowshoeing (2014 BCSG – Basketball)
  • Tony Wilkinson – Snowshoeing (2018 BCWG – Basketball)
  • Kelsey Wyse – Cross-Country Skiing (2000 BCSG, 2004 & 2006 BCWG (Swimming) / 2001, 2005 & 2009 CSG – Swimming)

Coaching Staff

  • Mark Schnurr – Alpine Skiing (1992 BCWG – Coach)

Countdown to Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games begins 

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TRAIL-ROSSLAND, February 25, 2025 — Excitement is building in the Kootenays as the official countdown begins for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games. In just one year, the region will welcome as many as 1,200 of British Columbia’s top young athletes, along with coaches and officials, for five days of elite competition and community celebration from Wednesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 1.

“The Kootenays are a beautiful part of BC, especially in winter, and its communities are well known for their hospitality,” says Brian Stefani, president of the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games. “We look forward to welcoming the province’s best young athletes and their families for an exceptional experience.”

Trail and Rossland have a rich history of winter sports and events, including the BC Winter Games in 1982 and 2006. Known for their world-class ski terrain, passionate sports culture, and dedicated volunteers, these communities are poised to deliver an unforgettable multi-sport event.

The 2026 BC Winter Games Host Society is led by President Brian Stefani and Vice President Barb Stanley, supported by a Board of Directors, and powered by 1,600 volunteers who will ensure every aspect of the Games is a success. Volunteer recruitment will begin in earnest in the fall, and community members are encouraged to get involved in this milestone event.

“The BC Winter Games provide an important stepping stone for young athletes as they progress in their sporting careers,” says Andy Morel, Mayor of Rossland. “Trail and Rossland offer outstanding venues and a passionate sporting community that will help create a truly inspiring competition.”

“We are honoured to welcome the BC Winter Games back next year, bringing significant economic benefits to our community,” says Colleen Jones, Mayor of Trail. “This event will invigorate local businesses, boost tourism, enhance local infrastructure, and strengthen community spirit. It’s also an exciting opportunity for residents to get involved through volunteering and showcase the hospitality of Trail.”

KEY DATES FOR THE 2026 BC WINTER GAMES:
– Opening Ceremony: Thursday, February 26, 2026
– Competitions: Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28, 2026

FUN FACTS:
– More than  900 medals will be awarded across 15 winter sports.
– Volunteers will prepare and serve over 18,500 meals during the Games.

For more information, visit staging.bcgames.org/.

Media Contacts
Andras Lukacs
Director of Marketing
Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games
andras@bcwintergames.ca

Andres Marquez-Velasco
Marketing Coordinator
BC Games Society
andresmv@bcgames.org

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Territory Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People, also known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and recognize that our work in this province spans the territories of more than 200 First Nations, as well as Métis and Inuit communities.

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