The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing may be going ahead this year, but the 2022 BC Winter Games in Vernon won’t be.
The BC Games Society announced Friday that the upcoming 2022 BC Winter Games in Vernon have been cancelled, saying that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, combined with flooding and wildfire events over the past six months has made it “impossible” to safely hold the event.
“We are disappointed not to be able to have these Games in 2022,” Jamey Paterson, chair of the BC Games Society board of directors, said in a news release. “We are so grateful for the local organizers and volunteers who have devoted countless hours as they navigated a very difficult and constantly changing landscape over the past 18 months.”
The BC Winter Games were due to take place in Greater Vernon from Feb. 24 until Feb. 27. The event features more than 1,800 athletes, coaches, and officials from communities across the province and relies on thousands of volunteers.
“It is very unfortunate for athletes, coaches, families, and spectators from across the province who will not have a BC Games experience this winter,” said Alison Noble, president and chief executive officer of the BC Games Society.
Although the games definitely won’t be taking place this year, organizers and stakeholders are exploring options to see if the Vernon region can stage the games in 2023.
“With so many challenges across the province this year, it has become clear that the 2022 BC Winter Games cannot happen this February,” said Val Trevis, president of the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games Society. “Our volunteer Board of Directors and Chairs have worked relentlessly to bring these games to our community and we are very disappointed for the athletes and volunteers. We are committed to discussions to determine if there is a path forward to host these games in the future.”
The 2024 BC Winter Games slated to take place in Quesnel.
CHEK News
