The BC Games Society is sad to say goodbye to two wonderful board members who have contributed so much to the direction and scope of the Games. Since joining the BC Games Society Board of Directors in January of 2014, Simon Whitfield and Sarah Zimmerman have served six exceptional years and given their time, skills and insight to improving the BC Games. They will be leaving us at the end of June and we are so thankful for their dedicated service.
Simon Whitfield is a father, guide, businessman, and retired professional athlete. A four-time Olympian, Simon made history at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Summer Games where he took home gold and became the first ever Olympic champion in men’s triathlon. During his 16 years as a professional athlete, he won 14 ITU World Cup victories, 12 national championships, and was inducted into the International Triathlon Union Hall of Fame in 2015, the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He also received Honorary Doctor of Law degrees from the University of Guelph and the University of Victoria. One of his greatest highlights was representing Canada as the flag bearer during the 2012 Olympic opening ceremonies in London. Now retired from professional athletics, Simon has co-founded an investment and consulting business called Relentless Pursuit Partners, working with entrepreneurs that promote optimum health and an active lifestyle. He supports numerous charities and loves few things as much as mentoring youth to find their passion. Simon will be remembered for his enthusiastic support of the Games, seen firsthand when he served as the athlete ambassador and torch bearer for the Opening Ceremony at the Nanaimo 2014 BC Summer Games as he inspired and engaged the crowd with his passion and enthusiasm for all things sport.
Sarah Zimmerman has spent her career working as a journalist turned public relations practitioner and has used these skills to benefit the BC Games during her time on the Board of Directors. She is currently working as the Executive Director of Communications at Coast Mountain College. She was the founder and president of the multi-sport adventure sport series, the Terrace Standard Adventure Challenge, from 2002 to 2008, and currently sits on the Board of Directors of My Mountain Co-op on Shames Mountain - Canada's first co-operatively run ski hill. An Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional, she is a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society and is a director on its Northern Lights board. Sarah is a passionate volunteer and has given her time, talents, and resources to countless groups in the community, from organizations that promote healthy living and sport, to economic development and the arts. Sarah’s support of the Games has been extensive, from her time serving as the Director of Promotions for the Terrace 2010 BC Winter Games, as a key player in the BC Games 40th anniversary celebration in Terrace, to her years serving on the Board of Directors. Her guidance in all things marketing and communications has been hugely beneficial, as well as all her help with any Games-related business in the Terrace community.
The BC Games Society wishes both Simon and Sarah all the best in their future and thanks them for their time and contribution to helping the BC Games reach its full potential. They will be greatly missed and we wish them safe and healthy adventures ahead.