Learn everything you need to know about the upcoming BC Winter and BC Summer games Learn more

Tag Archive for: 2025News

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

/in , ,

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

/in , ,

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

/in , ,

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

/in ,

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.

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

/in ,

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.

Countdown to Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games begins 

/in , , ,

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

/in , ,

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

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

/in , , ,

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

Get Involved

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.

The Games
Our Partners

© 2025 BC Games Society

Skip to content