Cranbrook-Kimberley to selected to host 55+ BC Games in 2018
By Nelson Daily Staff
Cranbook and Kimberley have been tabbed by the BC Senior Games Society to host the 55+ BC Games in 2018 said Wayne Naka, president of BC Seniors Games Society in a media release.
The announcement was made as the BC Senior Games Society scheduled its course for the next few years.
The City of Vernon will host the 2017 Games, supported by Greater Vernon and the City of Armstrong and the township of Spallumcheen.
“On behalf of our Society and the 55+ BC Games, we would like to thank, and congratulate the three winning bid communities,” said Naka, who is principal of the elementary school in Castlegar and lives in Nelson.
“Our members will be extremely excited about the opportunity to travel, stay, and compete in these three geographical areas of our amazing province.”
“We will make an immense and positive impact on your communities as we transform the image and attitudes towards the 55+ population among residents of all ages in British Columbia,” Naka added.
Vernon will host the 30th Games – formerly known as the BC Senior Games – and they were also the hosts during the inaugural gathering in 1988.
“It is only fitting that Vernon has been selected as the host of the 30th Games as they hosted the very first one nearly three decades ago,” said Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
The most recent 55+ BC Games successfully wrapped up in North Vancouver last month.
The BC Senior Games Society anticipates each of these communities will benefit from a local economic impact of more than $2 million from the thousands of participants expected to take part in the Games.
The City of Kelowna will round out the decade in 2019.
The City of Coquitlam hosts the 2016 55+ BC Games, September 20th – 24th.
Quick Facts:
- The first Games were held in Vernon in 1988 with 650 participants.
- This year, the 55+ BC Games attracted 3,277 participants who competed in more than 20 sports and activities.
- Participants range in age from 55 to 90+.
- The BC Seniors Games Society receives funding from the Ministry of Community Sport and Cultural Development. A portion of that funding is forwarded to the Host Society for operation of the Games.
- The mission of the BC Seniors Games Society is to improve the health, lifestyle and image of British Columbia’s 55+ populations.
- Participants compete from 12 zones throughout B.C.
