BC Summer Games Productive in All Ways

Abbotsford played host to the summer games this July and the event was a success in a variety of ways.

One must remember this type of competition has no losers while all in attendance are winners. Just making it to this lever says it all! Athletes travel to this event from all areas of the province and Athletes and Coaches alike put in numerous hours to perfect what they offer to the sporting community and the Province. Not an easy task, given the amount of hours they put in to the respected sport.The BC Games Society has been staging the BC Summer and Winter Games since 1978. Combined, these two events are B. Cs largest organized competitions.The Society’s goal is to provide event management services to host committees and with the addition of the BC Senior Games the Northern BC Winter Games and the BC Disability Games in 1994, its mandate is continuously met.The BC Games are funded both by the provincial government and corporate sponsorships. The present contribution ratio is approximately 30% private sector and 70% provincial. Anyone involved in sports today fully understands the importance of support from the community and its business partners.The Society is based in B Cs Capital and has only eight salaried employees. Not counting the salary of these individuals a total of $600,000 of the Society’s budget is spent on athletes transportation. A portion of the budget is also distributed to the host communities staging the Games. The host communitys contribution in raising “Friends of Games” sponsorship continues to help the various communities meet their expenses.The Games leave behind the legacy of what we call the unsung hero award and www.sportswave.ca recognizes these individuals as an intricate part of these games. This is dedicated to those in the various communities around the Province. These individuals leave us with memories that we will cherish forever!If you have never attended the summer or Winter Games held in BC you are missing an experience of a lifetime. You go with the understanding of not knowing what to expect and then in a few short days its over. Competition is furious for those attending the Games but when you are having fun, who counts the hours. This event goes beyond fun its friendship, memories and stories that are embedded in our minds forever. For these we are truly thankful.Getting there you work and strive for perfection in your chosen sport and from athlete to official it was worth the work. Players put in hours and hours of practice, work past the threshold of pain or injury to show what they have to offer the Province.

I hear some individuals mention its just a weekend away from the normal activities we do. My response to these persons is it is something you will never forget. Its like getting your first bike or the first time you went on the high diving board. Just to know you are doing it for yourself is a personal gratification one never forgets.You meet individuals that become (in some cases) friends for life. You have that urge to compete and outdo your competitor, but not once do you consider them a second class citizen they are your competition. Some will say to advance yourself you must put your competitor in an uneven place and maybe even cheat. If you even consider this do the sporting world a favor and quit. Sports as we know it today – would be better off.

The selection process or zone qualifications of the events are set by each competing sport. The reps from each zone are appointed by each sport body that manages the process of selection. The process for some sports is set by the sport body and this process is the same from zone to zone. Others however selection could be from the Zone representatives.The Games Society requires athletes follow their sports zone selection process or qualification round procedure and follow the guidelines that force each athlete, coach and manage to compete in the zone of permanent residence no exceptions!

Competition for any sport requires dates be set in which to qualify, and the games are no exception. The deadline is about 30 days prior to the start of the Games. The competition normally takes place within the month leading up to the deadline, but it could vary from sport to sport. Some sports require you qualify several months in advance and some have the athlete obtain points for the selection to the team from that specific zone. Not out of the normal but somewhat unique in making the decision. The one concern that comes to mind with this process is that of the judging process. As long as one keeps the politics out of sport and the selection is done in a professional manner (to which I assume it is) it works well for all involved. The selection process in this case is not easy and one must offer congratulations to those involved with this process.Now, when the athletes compete we assume they will be direct and honest in their approach to the respective sport they are competing in. Unfortunately not everyone is of the same mind set, and some persons look at taking alternative methods to win. Something truly not needed in today sporting world.

It is only fair to assume these athletes wish to advance their career and set all sights on Olympic Gold and not tarnish there dream. Not too much to ask for from any individual. Going into these games all individuals are treated the same and one hopes they act accordingly. The BC Games Society does not undertake any form of drug testing for any individual attending. When one ponders why it is fair to assume it has to be the cost involved with such a huge endeavor. Having attended several games functions in the past, I am proud to have been selected or chosen by my peers. Attending events for the BC Games is something one seldom gets the opportunity to do on a continuing basis and to miss out is missing what could be the thrill of a lifetime.

The winners of such events are the athletes, coaches, managers, officials and the thousands of volunteers. These events could not be put on if it were not for the unsung heros or the volunteers in our great province of BC.To those involved with the Abbotsford Games Congratulations! The province is proud of you!

Remember One second brings a life time of memories that can never be replaced!Special thanks to Irene Schell Events Manager of the BC Games society with her assistance.