The torch is lit: Winter Games officially underway in Greater Vernon

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Roughly 900 youth athletes from across B.C. filled the rink at Kal Tire Place for the opening ceremony of the 2022 Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

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Stage 2 Restrictions

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international security discussions

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Photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters

Photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters

A series of speakers addressed the athletes and the crowd after the seats at te arena had been filled.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming reminded athletes that the most important thing “is to have fun” but also encouraged them to try their hardest at their events.

Nicky Dunlop, president of the Greater Vernon Winter Games, said the Games showcase and celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and also thanked local Sylix artist David Wilson for designing the pictographs depicting the 15 featured sports for the event.

Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, said she was very proud of all the athletes and their families, and reflected on missing her chance to participate in the B.C. Winter Games as a youth but added she was happy to finally be part of one as the provincial representative.

Mike Shaw, the athlete ambassador, told his story of recovering from a serious ski injury that paralyzed him from the neck down, as well as touched on key points such as the athlete mentality, staying focused, the importance of teamwork and hard work, and gratitude.

Both Cumming and Dunlop also thanked the roughly 1,500 volunteers helping organize the games.

Mitchell Robertson, a green belt at the Lake Country Judo Club, read the Athlete’s Oath at the opening ceremony.

After the speeches, local athletes relayed the torch and lit the cauldron to mark the start of the 2022 Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games.

Biathlete Sierra Munroe lit the cauldron at Kal Tire Place after getting the torch from alpine skier Olivia Lahey and judo athlete Jordyn McRory.

Jordyn McRory lit the cauldron to kick of the 2022 Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

From Friday to Sunday, over 900 youth athletes from across the province will compete in 15 sporting events ranging from downhill skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort to figure skating at Priest Valley Arena to judo at Clarence Fulton Secondary to wheelchair basketball at Lavington School and Community Centre. The full schedule can be found here.

The cauldron was lit at the opening ceremony for the Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games at Kal Tire Place Thursday (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Okanagan Indian Band Councillor Allen Louis also offered a prayer at the event.

Thursday’s ceremony also featured dance performances from local youths, a DJ playing some music, and the Birch Creek Singers performing the Okanagan Welcoming Song and the Travel Song.

The youth athletes waiting outside Kal Tire Place ahead of the opening ceremony for the Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games (photo by Liam Verster)

Photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters

Photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters

The event was postponed from 2022 due to COVID-19 and the impact of wildfires and floods.

It has an estimated economic spinoff of $1.2 million.