One of B.C.’s largest annual sporting events takes to the ice on Friday throughout the Central Okanagan.
Eight-five teams and more than 1,300 athletes will take part in the 26th edition of the Kelowna Sweetheart Ringette Tournament.
Players aged seven and older from across B.C. and Alberta will compete on eight different ice surfaces over the course of three days.
“It’s a great event because we have such a wonderful community to showcase it…people loving coming here,” said tournament director Tina Pomponio. “It also lands at a really good time before provincials, the teams all get some good competition in, and the kids really enjoy all the activities that come with it.”
Aside from the games, the marquee event is the opening ceremonies on Saturday, 6 p.m. at West Kelowna’s Royal LePage Place.
More than 50 officials will converge on the valley for the tournament, while close to 200 volunteers will be busy at all venues throughout the weekend.
The tournament will also generate considerable spinoffs for Kelowna and the surrounding area, with over $1 million expected to be poured into the local economy.
The finals in all divisions are set for Sunday at various locations in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country.
