British Columbia’s best young athletes descend on Vernon today for the 2012 B.C. Winter Games. They are the best in their respective age categories and sports and among them may be future Olympians and Paralympians. B.C. Games alumni who represented Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games include gold medalists Maelle Ricker (snowboarding), Denny Morrison (speedskating) and Vernon native, Josh Dueck (para-alpine skiing).
Representing eight zones, the 2012 B.C. Winter Games feature 1145 Athletes, 292 Coaches, and 160 Technical Officials. The athletes range in age from nine years old in figure skating to 17 years old in netball and hockey (female). Athletes with a disability range in age from 13 to 40 years old and will compete in para cross-country skiing.
Volunteers in Vernon have been planning for almost two years to host participants and guests from across the province. Participants will be officially welcomed tonight at the opening ceremony taking place at the Wesbild Centre. Sport competitions begin February 24 with 15 sports hosted at venues throughout Vernon including Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. The Games conclude February 26.
2012 BC Winter Games information including results can be found at www.bcgames.org and www.2012bcwintergames.