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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

BC Games Society announces sport package for Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games

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The BC Games Society has announced the full contingent of sports that will take part in the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games from February 25 to March 1, 2026.

FULL SPORT PACKAGE

The 15 sports named will bring over 1,700 athletes, coaches, and officials to Trail, Rossland, and surrounding communities, which have hosted the BC Winter Games twice previously in 1982 and 2006 in addition to the BC Summer Games in 1996.

Inclusion in the Games is determined by the BC Games Core Sport Policy, which outlines the criteria that provincial sport organizations must meet and ensures that the Games continue 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 350,000 participants and volunteers, plus thousands more attend as spectators and supporters.

To learn more about the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games, visit bcwintergames.ca.

Ages Sport Athletes Coaches Officials Total
U-14 Alpine Skiing 100 24 6 130
U-18 Archery 54 18 12 84
U-16 Artistic Gymnastics 96 28 28 152
U-15 Badminton 64 20 8 92
U-15 Biathlon 40 16 18 74
U-14 Cross Country Skiing 82 16 10 108
13-35 Cross Country Skiing-Para 8 4 0 12
12-20 Cross Country Skiing-Special Olympics 16 8 0 24
U-16 Curling 80 32 10 122
U-16 Figure Skating 60 16 20 96
12-45 Figure Skating-Special Olympics 16 8 0 24
U-14 Freestyle Skiing 72 20 26 118
U-16 Judo 100 20 17 137
U-14 Karate 96 24 29 149
U-12 Rhythmic Gymnastics 56 16 8 80
U-16 Ringette 96 24 5 125
U-14 Speed Skating 72 24 24 120
12-45 Speed Skating-Special Olympics 16 8 0 24
12-29 Wheelchair Basketball 56 22 8 86
  Totals 1180 348 229 1757

 

Quotes

Alison Noble, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“The sports in the BC Games are held to a high standard through our Core Sport Policy, and their inclusion is a result of the hard work that provincial sport organizations are doing to grow their sports and develop inclusive and positive cultures.

The collaborative partnership with each provincial sport organization in the Games is foundational to the work we do. We thank them for their investment of time and resources to make the Games a success.”

Thorstein Fischer, MAG Program Manager and BC Games Provincial Advisor, Gymnastics BC
“The BC Winter Games are a vital step in the development pathway for Gymnastics BC athletes, coaches, and officials. For many, it’s their first experience traveling and competing as part of a regional zone team, an opportunity that is rare in our sport. The Games provide a unique environment to develop skills, gain valuable competition experience, and prepare for future interprovincial and national events.

Just as importantly, hosting the Games in communities like Trail-Rossland allows us to build stronger relationships with local clubs and better understand the unique challenges they face. It gets us out from behind our desks and into the heart of these clubs, where we can see firsthand the dedication, passion, and obstacles they navigate. This connection helps us provide better support and ensure that gymnastics continues to grow in all corners of the province.”

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

Equestrian withdraws from BC Summer Games  

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Horse Council BC (HCBC) announced its decision to withdraw equestrian and Para equestrian competition from the BC Summer Games today.

“Much deliberation and thought has gone into our decision, but due to the rising costs associated with equestrian sport, lack of suitable venues and difficulties meeting Games participant requirements we feel it is in best interest at this time to withdraw,” said Craig Cherrett, Executive Director of Horse Council BC.

Equestrian debuted at the BC Summer Games at the Port Alberni 1992 BC Summer Games. Para events were first added to the program at the Penticton 1995 BC Summer Games, highlighting Horse Council BC’s commitment to accessibility at the Games.   

“Equestrian has been a valued part of the BC Summer Games, and we are grateful for the dedication and commitment HCBC has shown in supporting young athletes over the years,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.

“We sincerely appreciate the positive working relationship we have shared and the collaborative efforts that have contributed to the success of past Games.”

All accredited Provincial and Disability Sports Organizations in B.C. will have the opportunity to apply for inclusion in the 2028 BC Winter or BC Summer Games. Sports in the BC Winter and BC Summer Games are selected and assessed based on the Society’s Core Sport Policy.

“We deeply value our partnership with the BC Games Society and have thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with the Games,” added Cherrett. “The working relationship with Games staff was exemplary and we appreciate the efforts and collaboration.”

For HCBC’s full announcement, click here.

For more information about the BC Winter and BC Summer Games, visit staging.bcgames.org/.

Media Contact:

Jocelyn Plasman
Horse Council BC
Advisor, Marketing and Communications
jocelyn.plasman@hcbc.ca
604-856-4304 ext 1003

Andres Marquez-Velasco
BC Games Society
Marketing Coordinator
andresmv@bcgames.org
250-387-4688

Board of Directors in place for Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games

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ROSSLAND, January 22, 2025 — The Board of Directors for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games, scheduled to take place from February 25 to March 1, 2026, has been finalized. A nominating committee, led by the Mayors of the City of Rossland and the City of Trail, guided the selection process.

The Games will be led by President Brian Stefani and Vice-President Barb Stanley, supported by 14 additional community leaders, each taking responsibility for specific portfolios. The Board will be supported throughout the planning process by the BC Games Society.

The cities of Trail and Rossland and surrounding areas will welcome as many as 1,200 athletes and 600 coaches and officials, competing in 15 sports. The Games will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on Thursday, February 26, 2026 followed by four thrilling days of competition, culminating on March 1. Venues for sport competitions and special events will be announced as details are finalized. The complete Sport Package for the Games can be found here.

The BC Winter Games showcase the best young developing athletes in the province, supported by certified coaches and officials. With over 1,600 volunteers required to stage the Games, this event is expected to infuse as much as $1.6 million into the local economy. Registration for general volunteers will open in the fall of 2026.

A complete list of the Board of Directors can be found here.

Quotes:

“Trail is incredibly excited to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games”, said Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our region’s passion for sport, showcase our breathtaking mountain environment, and welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers to our world-class facilities.”

“Rossland is proud to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games,” said Rossland Mayor Andy Morel. “This event not only will bring together the province’s top youth athletes, but also provide a platform to showcase our vibrant communities and celebrate the spirit of sport.”

“Barb and I are honoured to lead this talented group of Directors, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their portfolios,” said Games President Brian Stefani. “The Directors are now in the recruitment phase as they look to fill 80 Chair positions with volunteers who will lead specific Games planning areas. Together, we’re excited to begin this journey and deliver an exceptional event.”

“Trail and Rossland have a remarkable legacy of hosting sporting events and fostering volunteerism,” said BC Games Society President and CEO, Alison Noble. “Games participants can expect exceptional support from experienced volunteers and the opportunity to compete in world-class facilities. The entire BC sport community is looking forward to February 2026 with great excitement.”

For more information contact:

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

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

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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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