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BC Games organizers pull plug on Vernon event

Contributor
By Contributor
January 17th, 2022

The BC Games Society and the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games Society have made the difficult decision not to stage the BC Winter Games next month.

However, Games organizers and stakeholders will explore options to see if the region can deliver this multi-sport event in 2023.

Greater Vernon made every effort to stage these Games, however the ongoing pandemic, coupled with external factors such as wildfires and floods in many parts of our province this past year, have made it impossible to stage a safe and memorable Games this winter.

“I recognize how devastating this news is for the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and host region of Greater Vernon who have been working tirelessly to prepare for these Games,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“These are not easy decisions to make. I sincerely hope that the dreams of these athletes to compete at this stage can be safely realized in the near future.”

“With so many challenges across the province this year, it has become clear that the 2022 BC Winter Games cannot happen this February,” said Val Trevis, President, Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games Society.

“Our volunteer Board of Directors and Chairs have worked relentlessly to bring these Games to our community and we are very disappointed for the athletes and volunteers. We are committed to discussions to determine if there is a path forward to host these Games in the future.”

“We are disappointed not to be able to have these Games in 2022,” said Jamey Paterson, Chair, BC Games Society Board of Directors.

“We are so grateful for the local organizers and volunteers who have devoted countless hours as they navigated a very difficult and constantly changing landscape over the past 18 months.”

The 2022 BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon were expecting 1,800 athletes, coaches, and officials from communities across the province, with as many as 2,000 volunteers.

“It is very unfortunate for athletes, coaches, families, and spectators from across the province who will not have a BC Games experience this winter,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We look forward to the possibility of delivering these Games in the future.”

The BC Games are held every two years. Prince George will host the 2022 BC Summer Games and the 2024 BC Winter Games will be in Quesnel.

Additional information about a future version of the 2022 BC Winter Games will be shared when available.

The BC Games bring valuable competitive opportunities for British Columbia’s best young athletes and developing coaches and officials, help volunteers gain skills and experiences, and attract local tourism and direct economic benefits to the host community.

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