With the Canada Winter Games set to “kick-off” in Red Deer with some of BC Athletes attending, it’s time to make mention of the 2020 Summer Games.

The games are run by the BC Games Society and they made the official announcement a short while ago mentioning that Maple Ridge will be the official host for the 2020 BC Summer Games.

The Games comprises of 18 sports that could see a total of up to 2840 athletes, in addition to the 565 Coaches as well as the 382 Officials.

The event takes part over four days from the opening ceremonies to the closing ceremonies July 23rd to July 26th 2020.

Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society told the media “The BC Games are a unique opportunity to bring together many partners in a positive celebration of sport and community.”

She continued “We look forward to providing a Games experience that will inspire our young athletes to achieve success and build leadership skills both on and off the field of play.”

The BC Summer Game sports are guided under the Provincial Sport Organizations (PSO) who have all demonstrated their commitment to the development of Athlete’s, Coaching certification and training of all Officials.  

Canoe/Kayak, Equestrian, Golf, Lacrosse (box and field), Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Towed Water Sports, Triathlon, Volleyball (indoor and beach) and last but not least Wrestling.

David Calder, Executive Director of Rowing BC mentioned “The Games provide more opportunities for young athletes, we are excited to expand our competition to have athletes in two age categories, under 17 and under 19, at the 2020 BC Summer Games.”

The BC Games Society has made it a priority to provide competitive opportunities for athletes with a disability within the Games.  Athletes with a disability will compete in athletics, canoe/kayak, equestrian, and swimming.

Following the success of a pilot program in 2018 to increase opportunities for indigenous athletes, the BC Games Society and the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Council (I-SPARC) will be working together to identify new opportunities for indigenous participation at the 2020 BC Summer Games.

The BC Games provide a valuable multi-sport competition opportunity for young athletes and are the first of many steps to National and International success for everyone.  

At the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, 35 BC Games alumni were part of the Canadian team including medalists Hilary Caldwell (swimming), Georgia Simmerling (cycling), and Michelle Stilwell (para athletics).  

Information on the criteria for sport selection and the complete sport package for the 2020 BC Summer Games is available here.