Canada’s Beijing Olympic contingent includes 34 athletes born, or living, in B.C.
B.C. contributions to Team Canada include Meryeta O’Dine, a snowboarder from Prince George and Sofiane Gagnon, a freestyle skier (moguls) from Whistler, according to a media release by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“After contributing an astounding 50 per cent of Team Canada’s 24 medal wins at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games, and in addition to surpassing personal bests at the Paralympics, B.C.-connected athletes are ready to shine on the world stage again,” reads a statement by Melanie Mark, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport and Ravi Kahlon, two-time Olympian and minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation.
British Columbians can track the achievements of the province’s athletes at the games.
The games’ opening ceremonies kicked off today (Feb. 4) and will run until Feb. 20. The Paralympic Games will follow shortly after (March 4–13).
The provincial government invests over $50 million each year in sports, including $3.3 million toward Own the Podium initiatives. Through its Major Events Program, the province provides funding to host international events in B.C., such as the the 2022 Parasnowboard World Cup from Feb. 8-12, an important qualification event for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.
