Lhtako Quesnel 2024 B.C. Winter Games

Photo Credit BC Winter Games Photographers

We are fortunate in British Columbia to have an organization that promotes both Summer and Winter Games which takes place in various communities throughout the Province.

This past week the 2024 BC Winter Games were hosted in the community of Lhtako in a part of the Province that offers the opportunities to take part in cross-country skiing, snowshoe, downhill skiing, ice fish as well as venture out on a snowmobile in Wells.

As you might imagine hosting an event requires various communities to “pull together” to make the games successful for the Athletes, Coaches, Officials and mostly the Volunteers who are the backbone of any games.

Initially we were hearing that there wouldn’t be any snow sports due to a lack of snow and what was listed as “unfavorable snow conditions” in the area which would have impacted about 240 athletes.

Improving racing conditions for both the biathlon and cross country skiing the BC Games organizers worked with the Barkerville Historic Town & Park staff so as to arrange a day of racing Saturday, February 24.

Fair to say that all areas are not fully equipped with the necessary Grooming equipment which was brought in from the Wells Snowmobile Club and Cariboo Ski Touring Club. 

The equipment was necessary to develop a track for skiers to use in sprint style events which took hours to finalize.

The staff at Barkerville started work on the base of the track after the decision was made to hold the event at the site in addition to equipment loaned from the Troll Ski Resort.

As one might expect the games went off for the most part without a “hitch” that saw everyone being competitive while at the same time making life-long friends.

The overall Medal Standings is as follows

                                                              Gold     Silver      Bronze       Total

Vancouver-Coastal                                  25         32            34              91

Fraser River                                             32         28            29              89

Vancouver-Island-Central Coastal         22         17            24              63

Thompson-Okanagan                            23         16           23              62

Fraser Valley                                            12         13          16               43   

Caribou-North East                                    9          10         13               32

Kootenays                                                    7          12            3              22

North West                                                  1             1            2                 4 

Events such as this could not happen without the dedication of one specific individual and that’s not to say that others are not worthy of such recognition but for this event recognition went to one individual.

The award is called “The ProMOTION Plus Leadership Award” which was presented to the President of Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club Jade Kotzer as part of the 2024 Lhtako Quesnel BC Winter Games. 

The award is recognized by an organization or individual in the Games host community who helped develop opportunities for Women and Girls to participate more fully in sports or recreation.

Known for being a vocal advocate for girls in sport she recognized the challenges and stereotypes that often hinder young girls from pursuing athletic endeavors which she took as a voice of inspiration. 

Through her continued dedication to coaching, judging and organizing, she has worked to break down barriers encouraging young girls to embrace their athletic potential.

She earned the prestigious, “member of Distinction” award from her sport association, a testament to her exceptional contributions to her sport community and her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality in sports.

Thanks to Amy Reid, Public Relations Chair for the info

Well deserved!!!