Penticton has been awarded the rights to host the 2016 B.C. Winter Games.
“Penticton was the first host of the B.C. Summer Games back in 1978, and with today’s announcement, this fantastic host city has come full circle,” said Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff. “I know that the people of Penticton will do a wonderful job hosting the 2016 B.C. Winter Games with
the result that young athletes province-wide will benefit. Congratulations Penticton.”
The city also hosted the 1990 B.C. Winter Games and 1995 B.C. Summer Games leaving a lasting legacy of experienced volunteers and community investment.
“The economic impact of hosting the B.C. Winter Games is estimated to be $1.8 million to the host community, and this will have a huge impact in the South Okanagan and Similkameen,” said Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton. “The City of Penticton is proud to host the 2016 B.C. Winter Games, and is excited to welcome all sport participants to our friendly and accommodating community.”
The B.C. Winter Games are an important developmental milestone for B.C.’s emerging high-performance athletes. Over 2,100 athletes, coaches, and officials will participate in approximately 18 sports, Feb. 25-28, 2016.
The Games will be organized and staged by a community board of directors and 2,000 volunteers.
Three other communities were announced as hosts of future B.C. Games in separate events today. The 2016 B.C. Summer Games will be held in Abbotsford with the 2018 B.C. Winter Games returning to Kamloops, and the Cowichan Valley hosting the 2018 B.C. Summer Games.
For more on the annoucement of Penticton hosting, read here. For information about the BC Games Society and the bid process please visit www.bcgames.org.