In January 2013 the City of Abbotsford was announced as the host city for the 2016 BC Summer Games.
Abbotsford has a long history of hosting Games, including the BC Summer Games in 2004, the BC Seniors Games in 2006, the BC Disability Games in 2002, BC Special Olympics Games in 2009, and the Western Canada Summer Games in 1995. And now they are getting ready to once again show that their community is a “sport town with a unique selection of sport venue and the volunteers necessary to make events work” as proclaimed by Tourism Abbotsford.
“The community in Abbotsford comes together in a big way to support Games,” said Kelly Mann, BC Games Society President and CEO. “They have a great track record of showcasing their venues and community spirit. We look forward to working with them to stage the BC Summer Games July 21-24, 2016.”
Since 2004 when the BC Summer Games were last held in Abbotsford venues such as the Abbotsford Centre, a 7,000 seat sports and entertainment stadium, have been added to the already impressive list of facilities such as the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, Exhibition Park, and the Legacy Building at Exhibition Park.
Upgrades are also being planned for various venues including the MRC Sports Complex and Rotary Stadium. These venues and more are on the list of possible venues for the Games.
“Abbotsford is proud to have been chosen as the host City for the 2016 BC Summer Games and our facilities will provide the athletes with high caliber competition venues,” said Heidi Enns, General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture with the City of Abbotsford
The addition of three new synthetic turf fields at the MRC Sports Complex will provide world class sports fields and create a true Games Hub in connection with the nearby Abbotsford Exhibition Park and Columbia Bible College venues which will feature up to 1,500 athletes in action.
“With so much action in one location we’re looking to generate great enthusiasm and excitement for the Games participants and our entire community,” said Enns.
The eighteen sports in the Games were announced in late 2014
(click here for complete list) and will include as many as 3,600 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the province. The venues for each sport will be announced in late spring of 2015. Venues for other Games events such as the ceremonies will be determined the Games volunteers.
The selection of the board of directors for the Games in process with an announcement expected in April 2015.