The BC Senior Games were organized in 1987 the Premier at the time was Bill Vander Zalm under the Social Credit Government in this Province.
Vernon hosted the first games in 1988 that featuring 650 athletes from various areas of the Province who participated in 15 separate sports.
These games representing seniors 55+ are responsible for organizing the games sources for financial assistance and support including Provincial and Municipal governments, Corporate and Private funding partners, BC Games Society.
Throughout the 27th year history of the games locations have included Trail, Comox Valley, Coquitlam, Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Prince Rupert, Oliver/Osoyoos, Kamloops, New Westminster, Port Alberni, Elk Valley, Kelowna, Surrey, Prince George, Chilliwack, Penticton, Cowichan Valley, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Prince George and finishing up in Langley.
The games have evolved to what is now a major event once a year for the seniors 55+ taking part the numbers in 2007 in Nanaimo were 3,500 and in 2009 4,000 athletes with 29 sport as the games continues to grow for senior activity in this Province.
The objectives of the Society are:
(a) to promote active participation by seniors in sport, recreation, fitness, culture and self-education;
(b) to demonstrate the values and abilities of seniors and create an awareness of their contribution to the Canadian lifestyle;
(c) to encourage physical, social and creative achievement through participation and friendly competition;
(d) to engender a sense of community spirit by providing the opportunity and catalyst for bringing seniors, their families, and the community at large, to participate in the BC Seniors Games;
(e) to organize the BC Seniors Games. “And the Operations of the games as well”
Operation of the Society
The operations of the Society are carried out by three major components as follows:
(a) Board of Directors representing the 12 Zones within the Province of BC
(b) 12 Zone Committees
(c) Host Society.
The Board of Directors, which includes the Executive Committee, is responsible for the function of the Society.
The Executive Committee, composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Chair – Communications Committee, Chair – Development Committee, Chair – Marketing/Sponsorship Committee, and the immediate Past President.
The Annual General Meeting selects individuals for a two-year term (with the exception of the immediate Past President) and each Zone elects one Director to the Board of Directors.
Zone Committees established in each of the 12 Zones are comprised mostly of senior volunteers who promote, develop and organize their respective Zones for the purpose of sending Participants to the Seniors Games.
They encourage participation in, and the development of, sport, recreation and culture within their areas.
Municipal and Regional Recreation Departments are an integral part of the organizing process.
They provide leadership and resources, which help to make the volunteers more effective. Upon request, the Provincial Sport and Cultural Organizations provide their expertise, resources, advice and information to help ensure specific events are correctly prepared and run effectively.
While at the games Steve had a chance to catch up and chat with Rich Coleman the Provincial Liberal MLA for Langley/Aldergrove who was very hospital and open in his conversation with Steve.
Thanks for that.
The event next year will be held in North Vancouver and the theme is 55+ BC Games – so a name change that reflect the change in society.
The executive in North Van have been working hard for a long time and welcome the challenge.
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