The BC Games Society has announced the 18 sports that will be part of the Abbotsford 2016 BC Summer Games.
Up to 2,754 athletes, 535 coaches, and 378 officials will compete in athletics, baseball, basketball (traditional full-court and 3×3), canoe/kayak, equestrian, golf, lacrosse (box and field), rowing, rugby, sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, synchronized swimming, towed water sports, triathlon, volleyball (beach and indoor), and wrestling.
Para athletes will compete in equestrian and swimming and Special Olympians will compete in athletics and swimming.
The BC Games provide a valuable multi-sport competition opportunity for young athletes and are the first step on the path to national and international success.
Olympic and Paralympic medalists such as Brent Hayden (2012 Olympic Bronze-Swimming), Karina LeBlanc (2012 Olympic Bronze-Soccer) and Robert Hedges (2012 Paralympic Gold–Wheelchair Basketball) all started their sport careers with a trip to the BC Games.
“We see BC Games alumni making their mark as part of Team BC and representing Canada against the best in the world,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “This success speaks volumes to the opportunities British Columbia athletes are given through the provincial sport system and events such as the BC Summer Games.”
The sports in the BC Summer Games are led by Provincial Sport Organizations who have demonstrated their commitment to athlete development, coaching certification, and officials’ training.
“The BC Summer Games are the first elite experience that our athletes have in our developmental pathway and it helps inspire them to achieve their athletic goals and dreams,” said Chris Densmore, Executive Director of Volleyball BC. “The BC Games are also important for us to develop our rising coaches. We look to hire coaches a year before the Games and provide support for certification and preparation leading up to the Games.”
Information on the criteria for sport selection and the complete sport package for the 2016 BC Summer Games is available at www.bcgames.org.
The Abbotsford 2016 BC Summer Games will take place July 21-24, 2016.
