FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2022

Host cities announced for 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 55+ BC Games

Sidney – The BC Seniors Games Society (BCSGS) is pleased to announce the successful host cities for the 2024 (Salmon Arm), 2025 (Nanaimo), 2026 (Kamloops) and 2027 (Surrey) 55 + BC Games. The BC Senior Games Society, which oversees the 55+ BC Games, anticipates each of these communities will benefit from increased tourism and economic development as well as important legacies such as trained volunteers, major event hosting experience and new or improved infrastructure.

With five days of competition and cultural events, the annual 55+ BC Games attract an average of 3,000 participants aged 55 and over from across the province to compete in up to 34 sports. The dates of the Games are as follows:

The most recent 55+ BC Games successfully wrapped up in Greater Victoria in September 2022. Planning is well underway for the 2023 Abbotsford 55+ BC Games which will take place August 22 -26, 2023.

The 55+ BC Games is an annual, multi-sport competition celebrating active and healthy seniors. The Games are funded primarily by the BC Seniors Games Society and the Provincial Government. They are an important part of the Sport 4 Life Long Term Athlete Development, with support from many of the Provincial Sport Organizations.

The BC Seniors Games Society is the parent organization that is responsible for the overall governance of the Games, the sport specific rules, and the liaison with the 55+ participants. The Host Society is responsible for planning and delivering the Games, led by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The very first host community was Vernon in 1988. The mission of the BCSGS is to improve the health, lifestyle and image of British Columbia’s 55+ population. We do this by: –

• Organizing the annual 55+ BC Games as an opportunity for the 55+ population of BC to participate in physical and social activities;
• Promoting community awareness of the contemporary image of the 55+ population as physically active and socially engaged;
• Encouraging year-round participation at the zone level.

In 2022, an economic impact study conducted by Destination Greater Victoria using the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator found that the 55+ BC Games provide an impact of over $6.5 million to the host community. In addition, Host communities benefit from the development of capacity to host large multisport events by training volunteers and improved infrastructure through the Games Legacy program.

Please visit www.55plusbcgames.org for more information.

Quotes:

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Lisa Beare

“Congratulations to the communities selected to host the 55+ BC Games,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These Games are a showcase of skills and talent, and they give host communities the opportunity to participate and celebrate. Sport and active living play a powerful role in helping people lead healthier and happier lives.”

 President of the BC Seniors Games Society, John Buis
The four cities of Salmon Arm, Nanaimo, Kamloops and Surrey will provide opportunities for their communities to continue to develop their expertise in managing a large community event and to develop volunteers who can provide skills in other events. Our board and members look forward to working with each of these communities in the next few years.”

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MEDIA CONTACTS
For more information contact:

Website: https://www.55plusbcgames.org
Images: https://bit.ly/2SkBs5Y
Media contact: Wes Zawertailo, Communications Chair, BC Seniors Games Society

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.