BC Games medals (File photo/BC Games/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

3,700 participants

Kelowna selected to host the 2026 BC Summer Games

Jul 28, 2021 | 11:50 AM

Kelowna has been announced as the host for the 2026 BC Summer Games.

Kelowna also hosted the event in 2008, 1994, and 1980, and more recently, the 2019 55+ BC Games and Skate Canada International.

“The BC Summer Games are an important developmental milestone for B.C.’s emerging high-performance athletes. Over 3,700 athletes, coaches, managers, and officials will participate in approximately 18 sports. Athletes such as Megan Osland (Golf) and Malindi Elmore (Athletics) competed at the BC Summer Games as a first step towards success at the Olympic Games,” a government news release said.

BC Games host communities benefit from direct economic impact and sport development legacies as well as the opportunity to engage volunteers and residents in a celebration of community pride. The Games will be organized and staged by a community Board of Directors and supported by up to 3,000 volunteers.

“With five Kelowna athletes competing at the Olympics right now, we understand the value of these events to growing athletes, Kelowna mayor Colin Basran, said. “These Games give the best emerging high-performance athletes a chance to show their skills in serious competition and we are thrilled to be able to host these games here in Kelowna.”

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Two other communities were announced as hosts of future BC Games. The 2024 BC Winter Games will take place in Quesnel and the 2024 BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge.

Greater Vernon is hosting the 2022 BC Winter Games.

“The BC Summer Games cemented my desire to become the best athlete I could and encouraged me to try out for other games experiences, Malindi Elmore, Canadian Olympian and former BC Games athlete, said. “It will be an immense honour for Kelowna to welcome athletes from around the province to our city for the 2026 BC Summer Games.”

Quick Facts:

• BC Summer Games – 18 sports, 3,700 participants (2,800 athletes, 925 coaches, managers and officials), 3,000 volunteers (totals subject to change)
• Athletes range in age from 9-19 years depending on the sport. The average age of the athletes is 14.
• There will be competition in approximately 18 sports including competition for athletes with a disability.
• 3,000 community volunteers will be involved in planning and staging the Games.
• The BC Summer Games are held every two years in even calendar years.
• The 2026 BC Summer Games will be held July 23-26, 2026.
• The estimated economic impact of the BC Summer Games is $2.0 million.