British Columbia is sending a contingent of 455 athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff to the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg. BC Games alumni feature prominently and represent 47% of the team. 170 athletes have previously competed at a BC Winter or BC Summer Games with an additional 34 coaches and managers who are also alumni. Every alumnus brings with them the valuable experience of previously competing at multi-sport Games.
Athletes to watch at the 2017 Canada Summer Games include 2016 BC Summer Games quadruple gold medallist in triathlon, Brock Hoel of Kelowna. Also Nolan Thoroughgood of Victoria looks to follow up on his gold medal in golf from the 2016 BC Summer Games.
The BC Winter and BC Summer Games are the first multisport experience for young athletes in British Columbia and it is an important stepping stone to competitions like the Canada Games and ultimately the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
At the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 38 athletes on Team Canada had previously competed at the BC Games or for Team BC. Evan Dunfee (Richmond), is a 2004 BC Summer Games and 2007 Western Canada Summer Games alumnus. Emily Overholt (West Vancouver) won Olympic bronze in swimming is an alumnus of the 2010 BC Summer Games and the 2013 Canada Summer Games.
BC Games alumni, who are part of Team BC, will be presented with a special recognition card and pin at the 2017 Canada Summer Games to symbolize their significant achievement.
“The BC Games Society is incredibly proud to have played a role in the development of these athletes,” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The depth of Team BC speaks to the strength and coordination of the British Columbia sport system. We look forward to seeing the results of our BC Games alumni in Winnipeg.”
Follow all the news, results, and stories from Team BC at the 2017 Canada Summer Games at www.teambc.org