We know that the multi-sport experience is unique and can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together answers for some of our most frequently asked questions. Toggle our list of FAQs by audience below to find out more about the BC Winter and BC Summer Games.
Didn’t find an answer to your question below? Contact us.
How are sports chosen for the BC Winter and BC Summer Games?
The sports in the Games are selected through the Core Sport Policy, which showcases how Provincial Sport Organizations fit the Games within their overall sport development plans.
What age are the athletes who attend the Games?
Ages for the BC Games vary from sport to sport. In general, the minimum age of athletes competing at the Games is 13. Generally, coaches are expected to be 19 or older in order to act in a supervisory capacity with their athletes. Review the technical package for the respective sport for specific information.
How are communities picked to host the Games?
Communities awarded the BC Games through a bidding process that occurs before each cycle.
How often do the BC Winter and BC Summer Games take place?
The BC Winter and BC Summer Games take place every two years (“biennially”) in the same year.
Where can I find lists of past and current participants in the Games?
To find lists of athletes and results from past Games, visit our Results and Participant Lists page.
How can I follow along with the BC Games from afar?
You can keep up with everything BC Games on our social media accounts:
Who are some of the notable alumni to have attended the Games?
We are proud to have a long tradition of BC Games alumni representing Canada and other countries on the world stage, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For many of BC’s top athletes, the BC Games was their first multi-sport Games experience.
When were the first BC Winter and BC Summer Games hosted?
The first BC Summer Games was hosted in Penticton in 1978, while the first BC Winter Games was held the following year in Kamloops.
View the full list of past and future Games.
How are athletes chosen to attend the BC Winter and BC Summer Games?
The qualification process to attend the BC Games varies from sport-to-sport.
Generally qualification events for the Games are held beginning 6 months prior to the Games up to about 5 or 6 weeks prior to the Games, depending on the sport. Qualifications for the Games are coordinated by the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) and managed by the organization or the Zone Representatives.
Refer to the technical package for the respective sport for contact information.
Are there any awards or grants that I can apply for before the Games?
Athletes, young coaches, and youth officials taking part in the BC Winter and BC Summer Games are invited to apply for the BC Games Leadership Bursary. Supported by Canadian Tire, the bursaries recognize participants under 19 years of age who have achieved in academics and sport while going above and beyond in their communities through leadership and volunteer activities. Sixteen $1000 bursary are awarded to participants under 19 (2 per zone) at each BC Winter and BC Summer Games.
Can I attend both the BC Winter and BC Summer Games?
In most cases, athletes are able to attend the BC Winter and BC Summer Games either in a different sport or in a different capacity (i.e. official or coach) provided that this is permitted by their technical package.
Can I participate in two sports at a single BC Games?
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Where will I stay when I’m at the Games?
Athletes and coaches stay in local schools.
Are coaches expected to stay in accommodation at the Games?
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Are coaches required to be on transportation to and from the Games with their teams?
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What certifications are required for coaches who want to attend the BC Games?
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Are there any supports or resources available for coaches who are attending the Games?
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Do I have to stay in accommodation as an official at the Games?
No, officials are not required to stay in the accommodation provided at the Games. However, accommodation and transportation can be provided if officials are registered early enough (usually around a month before the Games).
Is transportation to and from the Games available to officials?
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How do I qualify to officiate at the Games?
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Will there be a livestream for the Opening Ceremony and sports?
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My child qualified for the Games; where do I find out everything I need to know?
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Is there support available for families who may struggle to pay Games fees?
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How much is the fee to attend the BC Games?
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Do I need to purchase tickets to watch events at the Games?
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How do I ensure that my child’s dietary or medical needs are met at the Games?
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Can my child stay with me outside of accommodation?
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Where can I find action photos from the Games?
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How and when can I register to volunteer at the Games?
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What can I do as a volunteer at the Games?
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What are the benefits of volunteering at the BC Games?
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I signed up to volunteer but haven’t been contacted yet; what should I do?
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How much time am I expected to commit as a volunteer for the Games?
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Where can I find a list of participants and results for the BC Winter and BC Summer Games?
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When will the list of participants by community be available to media?
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How do I ensure that I receive news releases about the BC Games?
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Who do I contact to set up an interview with a participant or volunteer?
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Do I need permission to use the photographs on Flickr in my publication?
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