The Board of Directors for the Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games is in place and ready to begin their journey toward the Games.

A nominating committee led by the Mayor identified the members of the Board and the list was ratified by the Maple Ridge City Council this past week.

“The 2020 BC Summer Games Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated and passionate community volunteers. They are citizens that bring strong leadership and management skills and specialized knowledge in their operational areas,” said Mayor Mike Morden. “As a team they will be incredible ambassadors for our City as we host over 3,500 athletes, coaches, and officials from around BC next July.” 

The Board includes President Michael Keenan and Vice President Tom Bowen and 14 additional community leaders who have made the commitment to take on Director positions.   The complete list of the Board of Directors can be found at bcgames.org.

"I am so proud that Maple Ridge will host the BC Summer Games next year," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. "I would like to congratulate the City of Maple Ridge on these board appointments. I know their leadership and expertise will help ensure the 2020 BC Summer Games will be a showcase of B.C.'s athletic talent and a wonderful experience for British Columbians and our visitors."

Integral to the Games are the City of Maple Ridge and the Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows School District 42. From confirming a cash commitment and providing in-kind services in the form of access to facilities and schools, the City and School District are key partners, providing a foundation for the Board as their planning gets underway.

“The BC Summer Games are always an amazing celebration of inclusivity, sport, and community.  We are thrilled to host top young athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators from across the province at our schools and sports fields,” said Sylvia Russell, superintendent of the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District. “The Games provide a valuable opportunity for these talented young athletes to compete against the best in the province in their sport and create new friendships and lifelong memories.”

The Directors who bring many years of business, volunteer, and community experience to their roles each take on specific areas of responsibility ranging from staging an Opening Ceremony for as many as 8,000, to preparing and serving over 32,000 meals, to coordinating over 270 medal presentations, to fundraising, to getting venues ready for competition, and so much more!  Over the coming months the Directors will recruit Chairs to take on leadership roles and collectively they will bring together as many as 3,000 volunteers to plan and stage the Games.

When asked to take on the President and Vice President positions, respectively, Michael Keenan and Tom Bowen said, “We are honoured to have been asked to serve in this capacity.  As long-time residents and coaches within the community, our families have reaped huge benefits from our local sport programs.   We see our involvement in the 2020 BC Summer Games as an excellent opportunity to give back, as well as enhance the growth, diversity, and beauty of Maple Ridge."

The Board will be supported through the planning process by the BC Games Society staff.  The BC Games Society is there with the Host Society every step of the way and values the commitment that the Board members bring to the Games.  Without the commitment of these key community leaders, the Games would not happen.

“It is exciting to have the Games return to the Maple Ridge in July 2020,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The Board of Directors, under the leadership of President Mike Keenan and Vice President Tom Bowen, bring a depth of knowledge and experience that will ensure a successful Games.”

The City of Maple Ridge will welcome as many as 3,787 participants (2,840 athletes, 565 coaches, and 382 officials) in 18 sports.  The Games will infuse as much as $2 million dollars into the local economy.  The list of sports and venues can be found on the BC Games Society website.

Click her for the City of Maple Ridge announcement.

 

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For more information contact:
Christa Balatti
City of Maple Ridge
604-467-7310
communications@mapleridge.ca

Alison Noble
BC Games Society
info@bcgames.org