Quesnel, Maple Ridge and Kelowna have been announced as host cities for the 2024 BC Winter and Summer Games and the 2026 BC Summer Games.
The province said the games will result in significant economic benefits to the host regions and will bring together athletes, coaches, officials, spectators and volunteers over the four days of competition.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these cities to showcase their ‘A games’ as a sports event-hosting destination and to support B.C.’s young athletes,” said Melanie Mark, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport. “I know personally the power sport has had in my life and I am proud to continue to shine a light on B.C.’s top athletic talent.”
The upcoming games will be held in:
Quesnel – 2024 BC Winter Games, Feb. 22-25, 2024
Maple Ridge – 2024 BC Summer Games, July 18-21, 2024
Kelowna – 2026 BC Summer Games, July 23-26, 2026
The games will contribute to the development of sport and community through infrastructure improvements and volunteer engagement, the province said.
“These communities will ensure that British Columbia’s best young developing athletes have exceptional sport experiences,” said Alison Noble, president and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The 2024 and 2026 BC Games will bring new opportunities for sport and community development, but it is the collective hosting expertise, skills and qualities of community volunteers that will make each game a unique and memorable experience for participants.”
The games are an important part of the progression of B.C.’s emerging high-performance athletes. For some athletes, the games may be the highest competition they participate in. Others may move on to the Canada Games or join national teams and go on to participate at international competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The B.C. government contributes over $2 million annually to the BC Games Society to support the BC Summer and Winter Games. This is part of the more than $50 million invested annually by the province to the B.C. sport sector.
