The leadership team considered many options, including postponing the event, but ultimately it was determined that cancelling these Games was the best option to reduce the spread of the virus and focus available resources and public attention on overcoming the pandemic.  

Although the Games are only four days long, they require 18 months of planning by the Host Society, the BC Games Society, and Provincial Sport Organizations to deliver a successful event. With no established timeline in place for when COVID-19 will be contained, it was not possible to identify a new date for when the Games could proceed safely. In addition, the Games require a great deal of community fundraising support that would not be possible given the impact of the virus on the economy and local businesses.

We are working with Provincial Sport Organizations by offering the option for them to determine ways to include athletes who qualified for or were eligible to compete at the 2020 BC Summer Games in the 2022 BC Summer Games cycle. Changes to sport technical packages are developed in partnership with each Provincial Sport Organization and any questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the individual sport in the coming months.

During this time of uncertainty, we are joining the community’s efforts to help those affected by the virus. The BC Games Society staff is working to ensure any useful items from our Games inventory such as mattresses, flashlights, and medical supplies are put to good use.

While we understand that this decision is disappointing for our participants, we are committed to the safety of everyone involved and support the efforts of the various levels of government to protect our communities and keep us safe.

Click here for the news release on the cancellation.
Click here for the Minister's statement on support to the sport sector.