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Vernon Winter Games News
Competition starts strong at Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games
Vernon, BC -- The first medals of the 2012 BC Winter Games were handed out Friday as competition got underway at venues across Greater Vernon.
Zane Torres of Kelowna overcomes the challenging weather on his way to a BC Games silver medal in giant slalom on Silver Star Mountain. Photo - Barry GoodsellIce rain and limited visibility due to fog at Silver Star Mountain Resort caused the postponement of some of the alpine events to Saturday. But 12-year-old Sofiane Gagnon of Whistler (Zone 5) triumphed over the conditions to capture Gold in freestyle moguls competition with a score of 15.79. MacKenzie Wilson, 12, of Whistler was second (13.35) while Kassidy Todd, 13, of Keremeos (Zone 2) took the Bronze (11.39). Noah Spence, 14, of Penticton won the male event with a score of 19.28, ahead of Whistler's Luke Smart, 12, (17.05) and Zone 3's Kyle Parker, 14, of Port Moody (15.55).
In the men's Giant Slalom Kasper Woolley of Squamish won Gold while Zane Torres of Kelowna took Silver. Finn Iles of Whistler rounded out the top three.
Zone 3 Fraser Valley women's gymnasts had top scorers in all of their events to win Gold in team competition with a score of 199.800. The team from Zone 5 Vancouver-Squamish won Silver with 197.750 while Bronze went to Fraser River Delta (193.650).
Fraser Valley also took Gold in the men's gymnastics team event with a score of 207.4, followed by the teams from Vancouver Island-Central Coast and Thompson-Okanagan.
Benjamin Mangabat, 13, of Surrey placed first in the Juvenile Men's Freeskate at Priest Valley Arena, narrowly edging ahead of the only other skater in the men's juvenile category, 12-year-old Benjam Papp of Burnaby.
Three figure skaters from Zone 5 Vancouver-Squamish, lead the pre-novice women's figure skating competition following the short program. Danielle Gordon of Vancouver led the results with a clean program, followed by Emma Carr of Vancouver and Amy Webb of North Vancouver. Alexander Lawrence, 14, from Port Coquitlam, took a strong lead in the Pre-Novice Men figure skating short program.
Figure skating medals will be awarded for Juvenile Men, Juvenile Women, Pre-Novice Men and Pre-Novice Women Saturday. A total of 41 figure skaters from around the province will compete over the two day event.
One of the spectators who braved the elements at Silver Star was ex-national team member Rob Boyd. "I'm excited to be back at Silver Star, doing a little coaching, some refereeing and being a spectator," he said. "It's great to watch all these up and comers from BC challenging this course in these conditions. I'd give the edge to our coastal kids who are used to this type of weather."
Competition continues Saturday with over 1,100 athletes competing in 15 sports at venues throughout Vernon over the next three days. With an average athlete age of just over 13 years, the BC Games are an important step for athletes towards provincial and national team programs. Joining the 1,149 athletes are 231 coaches and 160 technical officials.
Results and participant information: http://www.bcgames.net/results/results_sw.aspx
Games photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgames/collections/72157629248088457/
Lumby youth lend support to Winter Games
Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star
Lumby high school students have left their mark with the B.C. Winter Games.
Charles Bloom Secondary construction and wood technology students Danielle Major (from left), Danika Pedersen and Gideon Dalhuisen apply preservative stain to the new B.C. Games stanchions which will be featured in the Feb. 23 to 26 Winter Games in Greater Vernon. Students from Grades 9 to 12 in Chris Kuhn's woodwork and construction classes at Charles Bloom Secondary were given the task of creating new stanchions for the Games.
Stanchions are stands that signs are put on and ropes are strung through for crowd control.
"The old design was quite weak, it was like an old Christmas tree design of crossed legs and four pieces, but if one leg was broken from use, the stanchion was totally useless," said Kuhn.
B.C. Games officials asked the students to design something that could last a few years and hold up to environments of snow or rain.
Kuhn used a professional development day to come up with some preliminary figures and estimates, then put the students to work.
Thanks to donations of pressure-treated plywood and dimensional lumber from Greenridge Supply (Irly Bird) in the village, the students decided to change up the design.
Games' officials requested 60 stanchions, so students started calculating the sizes of the product, and the size of pieces that had to be cut up. They would gather their material, make a mock-up of a stanchion then mass produce all of the pieces.
"I had all of the bases cut up and students routed the edges and made a number of jigs," said Kuhn. "It was set up so everybody could participate. Some would drill pilot holes for where the screws would go, some would do marking and some would drill. Everybody put in about 10 to 15 minutes over a couple of days."
The B.C. Games had requested their logo be put on the product. Kuhn's classes used their laser engraver which normally would burn the logo brown.
But because they were using pressure-treated material that was green, the reaction turned the logo black.
"Everybody thought that was the coolest thing," said Kuhn. "It looks like an ink stamp, so both sides of the base have their logo, which they really like."
Students completed the project in less than two weeks.
"It took longer for the Games' officials to pick them up than it took us to make them," smiled Kuhn. "I didn't have room to store them. They were even outside for a bit."
Nolan Schibli and Danielle Major were among two of the 40 or so students that worked on the stanchions.
"We all worked as a team and got the job done," said Schibli, a Grade 11 student. "We had both classes working on them. I think it's kind of cool that our work is going to stay with the Games."
Added Major a Grade 12 student: "I thought it was cool to help out with the project," adding that her favourite part was staining the stanchions. "Once we had the plan, it was easy."
The students were given a small gratuity for their work, which ended up saving the Games a fair amount of money.
Kuhn estimates printing the logo alone on the school's laser engraver saved the Games at least $1,000.
"To have these students craft some needed infrastructure for the Games was one more way we could engage volunteers, access their skill sets, and leave a legacy of achievement for them, while having these stanchions for years to come," said Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the B.C. Games.
Mann was thrilled with the final product.
"The students grasped the idea right away, and set about using their skills in woodworking to create stanchions which will serve the Games for years to come," said Mann. "They built a practical, lightweight product which will have many uses in the operations of the B.C. Games."
Volunteers still needed for BC Winter Games
With the BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon just over a month away, organizers are looking for more volunteers.
About 2,000 are needed for the event February 23-26, and so far about 1,565 have registered.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
- Accommodation: dorm hosts and dorm site preparation.
- Ceremonies: participant marshalling and entertainment stand ins for the rehearsal Feb 22 from 4-9 p.m.
- Food services: boxed lunches and participant meals
- Protocol: medal presenters
- Security: special events and traffic control
- Transportation: luggage handlers, courtesy cars and bus guides
- Administration: environment and warehouse
- Communications: switchboard (evening shifts)
- Promotions: news service and photographers (must have Photoshop experience)
- Registration and results: participant accreditation and results centre
- Special events: holding area and participant special events
Register online here, or call the Games office at 250 550 2012.
B.C. Games inspire thousands of athletes
Published: January 18, 2012 1:00 AM
kerry vital
Black Press
With the 2012 B.C. Winter Games set to start in Vernon in February, spirit is building in every community across British Columbia.
The brainchild of Premier Bill Bennett, the Games began in 1978 in Penticton.
Since then, 38 communities across the province have hosted the Games, some of them more than once.
More than 200,000 people have volunteered and more than 150,000 athletes have competed since it began.
“One of the most important benefits of hosting a B.C. Games is how it brings a community together,” said Henry Pejril, president of the 2006 B.C. Summer Games in Kamloops.
“There aren’t many opportunities like a Games that can capture the full cross-section of a community. The feeling of pride and accomplishment lasts in a host city for many years to come.”
Many well-known athletes had their start at the B.C. Games, including Tour de France cyclist Ryder Hesjedal and 2010 Olympic women’s snowboarding cross gold medallist Maelle Ricker, who are among the alumni who say their dreams of international competition began at the B.C. Games.
“My Olympic success can be traced to the provincial Games in my native Manitoba and I see the B.C. Winter Games providing the same opportunity for young athletes today,” said B.C. Games Society chairperson and 1976 Olympic speedskating silver medalist, Cathy Priestner Allinger.
“The B.C. Winter Games provide rising stars an opportunity to benefit from excellent coaching, while testing their skills against B.C.’s best. Our next generation of Canada Games athletes and Olympians are getting ready for the 2012 B.C. Winter Games in Vernon.”
Participants are generally under the age of 18 (depending on the sport), and have the potential to move beyond local and regional competition to the national stage and beyond.
“The B.C. Games are an important stepping stone towards the Canada Games and ultimately the Olympic Games,” said Kelly Stefanyshyn, a former Olympic swimmer and B.C. Games Society board member.
“Learning to (compete) for a team beyond just your sport and focus while so many events are occurring is imperative to an athlete’s success.”
According to the official website, the aim of the Games is “to provide an opportunity for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition in a multi-sport event which promotes interest and participation in sport and sporting activities, individual achievement, and community development.”
Brian Carruthers, president of the Williams Lake 2002 B.C. Winter Games, is proud of the achievements of B.C. athletes.
“Sport builds character in individuals and brings people together in a positive environment, whether as competitors, spectators or organizers,” he says.
The Winter Games feature 15 sports, including curling, figure skating, skiing and women’s hockey. It is expected that more than 1,500 athletes and over 300 coaches will participate in the Games in February.
“I believe in the B.C. Games as it provides an opportunity to share the spirit with other British Columbians while celebrating your community in the most fantastic and rewarding way,” says Diana Johnstone, operations manager for the 2002 B.C. Summer Games in Nanaimo.
“I can’t wait until 2014 when Nanaimo will once again be privileged to host this amazing event.”
Surrey will host the 2012 B.C. Summer Games in July.
New BC Games Podiums and Medals Unveiled
The BC Games Society unveiled a new design for the ceremonial podiums and medals that will be part of the BC Winter and BC Summer Games.
The new medal podiums were designed and created by the Tradeworks Fabrication Shop (FabShop) that gained notoriety for building thousands of items for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Games including the medal podiums. The FabShop is an innovative program that trains youth at risk to give them the skills needed to move into the work force. The new podiums are a tiered circular design that features reclaimed B.C. beetle wood.
Mark Hetherington, Manager of the FabShop said, “It was an honour to design and build the medal podiums for the BC Games. Our trainees not only have learned valuable skills but, will see their hard work appreciated by athletes who will receive their medals on these podiums for years to come.”
The gold, silver, and bronze medals that are awarded to BC’s best young developing athletes have also been redesigned in collaboration with Kerr’s Recognition Services. The new medals are a unique modern design that is a true keepsake for the medal winners.
The Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development toured the FabShop and had a firsthand look at the podiums and medals. “Sport supports healthy B.C. families and strong local businesses in communities across our Province,” said Honourable Ida Chong. “Training is a focal point of the B.C. Jobs Plan, and the young people at 
FabShop are learning skills that will help them build a prosperous future in our provincial economy.”
The podiums and medals will make their debut at the 2012 BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon, February 23-26.
British Columbia’s best young developing athletes compete at the biennial BC Winter and BC Summer Games. The gold, silver, and bronze medal winners will stand proudly on the podiums.
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star
Resort Stars in BC Games
Silver Star Mountain Resort is one of the biggest commercial backers of the 2012 BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon.
The resort will host three events: alpine skiing, para alpine skiing, and freestyle skiing.
The overall number of participants (athletes, coaches and officials) is anticipated to be 2,000 for the BC Winter Games.
“We made the decision last fall to become a supporter of the BC Winter Games and have come in as a President’s sponsor,” said Michael Sherwood, resort general manager.
“We were encouraged by all the effort and dedication of the organizing committee and the hundreds of volunteers within our community. Like many on the committee, our involvement was driven by the support to athletes in sport, as well as the potential legacy that will remain for other athletes to use while growing up in our community.”
Games president Akbal Mund says some people forget that Silver Star is an integral part of the community, and has an incredible economic impact on the Vernon area.
“Silver Star, Michael Sherwood and his team understand how much stepping up to the plate and helping out with the BC Games, is important to the event’s success,” said Mund, adding that the resort is not just providing venues for the games which run Feb. 23 to 26, 2012.
“They are going to provide ski lift tickets at a reduced cost, they’re providing ‘Snowdiums’ where the medals will be presented, ski patrols, along with organizers and volunteers. They’ve stepped up in a very big way and that’s why they are part of our President’s Club.”
Deb Leroux, director of Friends of the Games, says Silver Star will be a huge part of the success of the four-day event.
“We are very appreciative of how many activities they are going to host, and the way that they came through with their sponsorship. They have their lovely logo on the host uniforms for the 80 specially trained volunteers who are going to be hosts for our games. They were entirely cooperative with both the Alpine and Freestyle ski clubs as well as Friends of the Games to make this all come together in an exceptional way.”
The resort has put together a special for families visiting Vernon for the Games, including a 15 per cent discount off a variety of ski in and ski out accommodation, and a 15 per cent discount on multi-day lift tickets.
For more information on contributing to the Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games call the Games office at 250-550-2012.
Torch Lighting Ceremony
It's going to be a celebration!
The community is invited to a celebration Friday.
The Greater Vernon 2012 B.C. Winter Games committee will officially kick off the countdown to the Games by lighting a torch in Spirit Square at Vernon city hall at 6:30 p.m.
A block party will kick things off from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The event marks 100 days until the Games begin.
On hand will be local dignitaries, B.C. Games officials and volunteers.
Activities will include a free barbecue, face painting, a bonfire and entertainment.
A table will be set up to allow volunteers to sign up, with lots of choices still available.
About 1,400 athletes along with about 500 coaches and officials from around B.C. will take part in 15 sports at venues in Vernon, Coldstream, Silver Star and Armstrong Feb. 23 to 26.
The Torch Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday November 18th at Spirit Square, between Vernon City Hall and the Library.
A block party will be held from 5 to 6:30, with the torch lighting at 6:30.
For more information, contact Games president Akbal Mund: 250 550 0388, or vice president Jim McEwan 250 309 5573.
Greater Vernon game for Winter Games
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Akbal Mund, president of the Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games committee, models some of the Games apparel at the opening of the Games' official office in downtown Vernon. Lisa VanderVelde/Morning StarOffice manager Brenda Thorlakson was resplendent in the official B.C. Winter Games grey hoodie and, later, in a one-quarter zip Games pullover sweater.
Security chairman Gord Molendyk dazzled in B.C. Winter Games golf shirt and sweat pants which read "I kicked" over the buttocks.
Volunteer chairperson Sheryl Bolton sparkled in the Games' military style hat and T-shirt.
But it was president Akbal Mund who wowed the crowd during the Winter Games' souvenir fashion show when he walked the makeshift runway in a Games' snowboard hoodie.
The fashion show, which demonstrated the souvenirs available for sale, highlighted the official opening of the Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games office, located in the old Vernon Flower Shop on 31st Avenue in downtown Vernon.
"To have the office open makes us feel like part of the community now," said Mund, prior to his modelling debut. "The B.C. Games office is open and we invite people to come down, pick up some souvenirs and sign up as a volunteer for the Games."
Greater Vernon will host the 2012 B.C. Winter Games Feb. 23-26, though one event will be held in Armstrong.
More than 60 people were on hand for the official office opening, enjoying the fashion show and delicious finger food and snacks from Gumtree Catering.
Mund said in the past week, 150 volunteers have signed up, bringing the total to more than 800. However, 2,000 volunteers will be needed for the Games.
"Through research, I've learned that 70 per cent of volunteers for the Games sign up in the last two months," he said. "We're at 40 per cent right now so that tells you how committed people have been in the community towards the Games."
The souvenirs will be sold at the office, which is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and when Games volunteers go out to different locations to promote the event.
Media chairperson Dawn Tyndall explained that money from souvenirs sold in Vernon stays in the community.
"Souvenir sales show civic pride and every penny earned through Games' souvenir sales stays with us," said Tyndall.
Anybody wishing to volunteer can do so by visiting the office, going to the website – www.2012bcwintergames.ca – or calling the office at 250-550-2012.
Games Wear Fridays
The end of the work week just got a whole lot more exciting!
Organizers of the 2012 Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games have proclaimed Fridays as Wear Your Games Gear Fridays as a way to build community spirit and excitement for the Feb. 23 to 26 event.
About 1,400 athletes, along with 500 coaches and officials will take part in 15 sports at venues in Vernon, Coldstream, Silver Star and Armstrong.
“Games apparel and accessories are on sale at a number of locations including the B.C. Games office at 3011 31st Ave. (the former Vernon Flower Shop),” said Brenda Thorlakson, operations manager.
“The items, which include all types of shirts, hoodies, sweat pants, sweat shirts and sling packs can also be purchased through the Games website at 2012bcwintergames.ca.”
All profits from items purchased before the Games will stay in the Greater Vernon area for legacy funds.
For more information, contact Thorlakson at 250-550-2012.
Sun Signs on for BC Winter Games
Sun-FM Sunrise Show co-hosts Brian Martin (left) and Betty Selin discuss the radio station’s committment to the 2012 B.C. Winter Games in Greater Vernon with local organizing chairman Akbal Mund. John Willis PhotoA Vernon radio station and its parent company have joined the B.C. Winter Games’ growing sponsorship list.
Sun-FM and the Astral Media Family have become a President’s Club Sponsor of the 2012 B.C. Winter Games, slated to be held in Greater Vernon from Feb. 23-26.
105.7 Sun-FM’s plans for the 2012 B.C. Winter Games includes a strong focus on community spirit, games volunteers and special events associated with the games.
Promotions Coordinator Vicki Proulx says the station is gearing up to help raise the profile of the Games, and the hundreds of volunteers who will be involved, with several fun, interactive promotions and events.
“The Astral Media family is proud to support an event that will bring the North Okanagan community together,” said Sun-FM general manager Gord Leighton. “Our plans include a significant level of support not only on radio, but within our rapidly growing digital interactive web platform.”
105.7 Sun-FM will donate over $30,000 in advertising and marketing support to the games, including contests both on air and on its website www.thesunonline.ca.
“We are committed to creating fun for our listeners in everything we do at Sun-FM,” said popular Sunrise Show co-host Brian Martin.
“This is a great opportunity for us to have a lot of fun with the entire North Okanagan community, as well as generating excitement in the region about the Games and the events happening with them.”
Ford Drives 2012 BC Winter Games
Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games executive members Jim McEwan (from left), Akbal Mund and Dave Fletcher accept a donation of 20 Ford vehicles from Watkin Motors general manager Ross Blankley (second from right). The vehicles will be used by the executive for two weeks before, during and after the Games. Cory Bialecki/Morning StarGreater Vernon B.C. Winter Games officials will have no problems escorting dignitaries to and from venues in February.
The local executive has accepted a donation of 20 Ford vehicles from Watkin Motors. The vehicles will be used for two weeks, before, during and after the Games.
“The B.C. Winter Games will be a great event for Vernon and this is our way of helping out and giving back to the community,” said Watkin Motors general manager Ross Blankley. “The Games will again put us on the map.”
Local Games executive president Akbal Mund said the donation will help the committee transfer VIPs, media and government officials to and from all of the venues.
“Every generous donation we get from any person or organization is going to help with the event,” said Mund. “To have a sponsor come forward and donate vehicles for us to help transport the dignitaries is great.”
Volunteer drivers will be behind the wheel escorting dignitaries, media, parents or, if needed, an injured athlete to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The local committee recently held a key volunteer rally.
So far, the committee is on plan for the Games, which run Feb. 23-26 with all but two of the events slated for Greater Vernon. Speed skating (Nor-Val Sports Centre) and karate (Pleasant Valley Secondary School) will be held in Armstrong.
“So far, we’ve done what we need to do,” said Mund. “We’re looking for an office and we have a lead on a possible site.”
It’s anticipated that the Games will require more than 2,200 volunteers.
“I do not foresee any problems with getting volunteers,” said a confident Mund.
Anybody wishing to lend a hand for the B.C. Winter Games can sign up online at www.2012bcwintergames.ca.
Kiss FM Presidents Club Radio Sponsor
Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games chairperson Akbal Mund (centre) welcoms Gord Wiens (left) and Jason Armstrong, of Kiss FM, as a Games’ sponsor. The 2012 B.C. Winter Games Society would like to welcome 107.5 Kiss FM as the President’s Club radio sponsor for the 2012 B.C. Winter Games in Greater Vernon.
As part of the partnership, Kiss FM will provide more than $20,000 worth of on air features and updates, including 24 live reports a day during the four-day event from Feb. 23 to 26, 2012
Kiss FM will also provide coverage of the official games office opening, along with the opening and closing ceremonies.
“For us, it’s not enough to simply provide the results to listeners, we want to deliver proper respect to both the athletes and organizers by giving live, local and up-to-date coverage that celebrates their achievements,” said Kiss FM program director Jason Armstrong.
“We know that, thanks to the spectacular efforts of so many volunteers, our community will knock it out the park, as always, and 107.5 Kiss FM is excited and proud to be a part of it.”
Kiss FM Sales Manager Gord Wiens says live and local first is something the radio station takes seriously.
“This is our commitment to the community we live and work in,” said Wiens.
“For Kiss FM to be the radio station of the B.C. Winter Games is an honour, providing listeners and athletes alike with live up to date information.”
Kiss FM joins Watkin Motors as President’s Club sponsors, with room for more businesses to get on board.
For more information about sponsorship, call Dave Fletcher, Friends of Games director, at 250-308-7220.
Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games office opens
Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games Office Opening - Photo by John WillisOffice manager Brenda Thorlakson was resplendent in the official B.C. Winter Games grey hoodie and, later, in a one-quarter zip Games pullover sweater.Security chairman Gord Molendyk dazzled in B.C. Winter Games golf shirt and sweat pants which read “I kicked” over the buttocks.
Volunteer chairperson Sheryl Bolton sparkled in the Games’ military style hat and T-shirt.
But it was president Akbal Mund who wowed the crowd during the Winter Games’ souvenir fashion show when he walked the makeshift runway in a Games’ snowboard hoodie.
The fashion show, which demonstrated the souvenirs available for sale, highlighted the official opening of the Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games office, located in the old Vernon Flower Shop on 31st Avenue in downtown Vernon.
“To have the office open makes us feel like part of the community now,” said Mund, prior to his modelling debut. “The B.C. Games office is open and we invite people to come down, pick up some souvenirs and sign up as a volunteer for the Games.”
Greater Vernon will host the 2012 B.C. Winter Games Feb. 23-26, though one event will be held in Armstrong.
More than 60 people were on hand for the official office opening, enjoying the fashion show and delicious finger food and snacks from Gumtree Catering.
Mund said in the past week, 150 volunteers have signed up, bringing the total to more than 800. However, 2,000 volunteers will be needed for the Games.
“Through research, I’ve learned that 70 per cent of volunteers for the Games sign up in the last two months,” he said. “We’re at 40 per cent right now so that tells you how committed people have been in the community towards the Games.”
The souvenirs will be sold at the office, which is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and when Games volunteers go out to different locations to promote the event.
Media chairperson Dawn Tyndall explained that money from souvenirs sold in Vernon stays in the community.
“Souvenir sales show civic pride and every penny earned through Games’ souvenir sales stays with us,” said Tyndall.
Anybody wishing to volunteer can do so by visiting the office, going to the website – www.2012bcwintergames.ca – or calling the office at 250-550-2012.
Volunteers Sought For 2012 BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon
The 2012 BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon are just seven months away, and a push is being made to sign up volunteers.
More than 2,000 volunteers will be needed for the event February 23-26, 2012 that will bring more than 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials to the area to compete in 15 sports.
Games President Akbal Mund says just over 400 volunteers have signed up so far.
"We're looking for about 2,200, and we know with summer here, people are away, but we're going to get a heavy push on to get people to sign up now, rather than later, to get them ready and in position for where they want to help out."
Mund says volunteering can be a little as an eight-hour shift on one of the days, and there's a lot of different areas to sign up for.
"We require hosts, people to work within the sports, and people to sit in the dorms at night where the kids stay."
Larry Grist, Director of Accommodations, says they will use nine schools to accommodate the participants including VSS, Fulton, Seaton, Kalamalka, Bearisto, Ellison, Silver Star, Harwood and Alexis Park.
Grist says, "Based on a recent Winter Games in Terrace, we have calculated that we need about 400 volunteers for accommodations alone. Added to this is the requirement that everyone working in the accommodation area in any capacity must have a criminal record check completed and approved within 6 months of the Games. We are hoping for this reason that volunteers will come forward early."
The other main areas of the Games people can help out with are Transportation, Promotions, Communications, Security, Special Events, Sport, Friends of the Games, Food Services, Ceremonies, Results and Registration, Administration and Protocol.
For more information, contact Akbal Mund, president of Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games 250 550 0388, or Vice president Jim McEwan 250 309 7753.
City of Vernon chosen for 2012 BC Winter Games
Vernon, has been chosen to host the 2012 BC Winter Games, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport Mary Polak announced today.
“B.C. already has an international reputation for excellence in sport hosting and the BC Games will give these communities the opportunity to gain valuable experience in hosting, while showcasing their cities to the rest of the province,” said Polak. “The BC Games bring thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, spectators and visitors to the host community, bringing significant benefits with them.”
Vernon, will host the 2012 BC Winter Games. The BC Games are the province’s largest multi-disciplinary organized competitions and contribute to community, volunteer, and sport development. Host communities welcome athletes and coaches but also build volunteer capacity, engage local business, and realize a direct economic impact of over $2 million.
“Having a competitive process to host the BC Games is of great benefit to the provincial sport system,” said BC Games Society president and CEO Kelly Mann. “Communities are proud of their facilities and their volunteers, and want both to shine as they host the next generation of elite-level athletes, coaches and officials. The BC Games Society congratulates our winning cities and thanks all those who competed for the right to host in 2012 or 2014.”
“The BC Games are a vital step in the sport development pathway for B.C. athletes striving to represent our province and Canada at national and world competitions,” added Polak. “These games bring together the best young athletes in the province and offer an opportunity for the host communities to see some great sports talent in action.”
B.C. spends $2 million annually to support the BC Summer and BC Winter Games – part of the over $40 million invested annually to encourage British Columbians to be physically active and to support our “performance pathway” for athletes, coaches and the practitioners supporting them.
Lia Threlfall
Communications and Event Manager
BC Games Society
250-387-4688
