The BC Games Society has announced the 18 sports that will be part of the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games.
Up to 2,808 athletes, 543 coaches, and 373 officials will gather on Vancouver Island for four days of celebration and competition, July 19-22, 2018.
“The BC Games experience provides inspiration for B.C. athletes to take forward in their future sport, education, or leadership activities,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.
“It is through the commitment of our Provincial Sport Organization partners that the BC Summer Games have been a success for the past 40 years.”
The sports in the BC Summer Games are led by Provincial Sport Organizations who have demonstrated their commitment to athlete development, coaching certification, and officials’ training.
All of the sports at the 2016 BC Summer Games will return for 2018 and include athletics, baseball, basketball (5 on 5 and 3X3), canoe kayak, equestrian, golf, lacrosse (box and field), rowing, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, synchronized swimming, towed water sports (waterskiing, wake boarding, and barefooting), triathlon, volleyball (indoor and beach) and wrestling.
"This past year was a huge success for girls rugby in the BC Summer Games. It was the first time we were able to field a team in all eight zones and it has contributed to the growth of rugby throughout all of BC,” said Darcy Patterson, Development Officer for BC Rugby.
“It was the catalyst to the recent Inaugural BC Rugby Girls' Invitational 7's Rugby Tournament in Kamloops. We are excited to have this opportunity in 2018 and will look forward to the lasting effects of the Games on the growth of sevens rugby in BC."
New for 2018 is the addition of a category for athletes with a disability to compete in canoe kayak. The BC Games Society has made it a priority to provide competitive opportunities for athletes with a disability within the Games and modified its policies to promote inclusion. Athletes with a disability also compete in athletics, equestrian, and swimming.
“As a long-time BC Games supporter, I am thrilled that para racing was added to the 2018 BC Summer Games,” said Mary Jane Abbott, Executive Director of Canoe Kayak BC.
“This expands the development pathway for all Canoe Kayak BC athletes and their experience from these Games is valuable for future competitions such as Canadian Championships and the Canada Summer Games.”
The BC Games provide a valuable multi-sport competition opportunity for young athletes and are the first step on the path to national and international success.
At the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, 35 BC Games alumni were part of the Canadian team including medalists Hillary Caldwell (swimming), Georgia Simmerling (cycling) and Michelle Stilwell (para athletics).
Information on the criteria for sport selection and the complete sport package for the 2018 BC Summer Games is available at www.bcgames.org