The Honourable Mike de Jong, Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West, announced Friday that Abbotsford has been awarded the rights to host the 2016 BC Summer Games.
“I want to thank the BC Games Society for selecting the City of Abbotsford as host community for the 2016 BC Summer Games,” said de Jong. “Talk about an excellent choice! Abbotsford is full of committed, passionate volunteers who I know will embrace the opportunity to host the Games. The end result will be a spectacular event that benefits B.C.’s young up-and-coming athletes, as well as the host community and the entire Lower Mainland.”
Abbotsford has a successful history hosting multi-sport Games including the 2004 BC Summer Games which left a community legacy of over $174,000.
“Abbotsford is thrilled to be hosting the BC Summer Games in 2016,” said Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman. “Our city is no stranger to welcoming visitors – we have hosted athletes for the BC Seniors Games and the Special Olympics, airshow enthusiasts for our annual international airshow and welcomed the world to the A-list events at our Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. As one of the friendliest cities this side of the Fraser River, we look forward to welcoming athletes from across the province!”
The BC Summer Games are an important developmental milestone for the province’s emerging high performance athletes. Over 3900 athletes, coaches, and officials will participate in approximately 20 sports, July 21-24, 2016. The Games will be organized and staged by a community Board of Directors and 3000 volunteers.
Three other communities were announced as hosts of future BC Games in separate events today. The 2016 BC Winter Games will be held in Penticton with the 2018 BC Winter Games returning to Kamloops and the Cowichan Valley hosting the 2018 BC Summer Games.
For information about the BC Games Society and the bid process please visit www.bcgames.org.
Photo From: sw-online.com