Nanaimo will host the 2014 B.C. Summer Games, making it the second time the event has come to the Harbour City.
Nearly 4000 athletes, coaches, and officials will visit Nanaimo from July 17–20, 2014 to take part in 19 events, says the BC Games Society. Athletes with a disability can compete in Athletics, Equestrian, and Swimming events.
Nanaimo last hosted the event in 2002, and also in 1985. According to an assessment following the 2002 event, participants and spectators spent an estimated $1,287,898 during the games.
Venues for the games have not yet been announced, but 2002 locations included Nanaimo Rotary Bowl for track and field events, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre for swimming and water polo competitions, Vancouver Island University (then Malaspina U-C) for basketball matches, Long Lake for rowing events, and various other parks and centres around the city.
The BC Summer and Winter games provide an integral development stage for athletes, coaches, and officials looking to move forward in their sport. The 2012 London Olympics featured 40 BC Games alumni, including bronze medalist swimmer, Brent Hayden.
“The international success we have seen from B.C. athletes speaks volumes to the opportunities they have been given through the provincial sport system and the BC Games,” says BC Games President Kelly Mann.
More information on the 2014 BC Summer Games will be released on <www.bcgames.org> in Feb.