Trail and Rossland selected to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games

Trail – The BC Games Society announced today that Trail-Rossland will co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games.

These cities have a long history of hosting major sport events. The region has successfully hosted the 1982 and 2006 BC Winter Games and the 1996 BC Summer Games as well as the 2011 BC Seniors Games. Numerous Alpine Skiing and Nordic Skiing championships have also been staged in both Trail and Rossland.

The BC Winter Games are an important developmental milestone for B.C.’s emerging high-performance athletes. Over 2000 athletes, coaches, managers, and officials will participate in approximately 19 sports.

BC Games host communities benefit from direct economic impact, community, and sport development legacies, as well as the opportunity to engage volunteers in a celebration of community pride. The Games will be organized and staged by a community Board of Directors and up to 2,000 volunteers.

Together with Trail-Rossland, three other communities are now confirmed as hosts of future Games. The 2024 BC Winter Games will take place in Quesnel; 2024 BC Summer Games will be held in Maple Ridge and the 2026 BC Summer Games will be hosted by Kelowna.

Quotes:

Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Congratulations to the communities of Trail and Rossland chosen to host the 2026 BC Winter Games. These games are a celebration of the power of sport, which has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. For these young athletes, their coaches and officials, these games are an excellent competitive experience, providing them with an opportunity to shine and test their athletic skills as we cheer them on.”

Mayor Lisa Pasin, City of Trail
“The City of Trail is thrilled to partner with Rossland for the 2026 BC Winter Games. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience our region’s first-class sporting amenities and friendly hospitality services.”

Mayor Kathy Moore, City of Rossland
“It is so exciting to once again have been selected as the site of the Winter Games. The communities of Rossland and Trail have a great history of working together on this fantastic event. It is a wonderful opportunity to inspire young athletes to be the best they can be in their chosen sport while learning about sportsmanship, comradery and teamwork.”

Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society
“It is exciting to have the collaboration and commitment of two communities hosting the BC Winter Games. This region is well-versed in major sport event hosting ensuring a successful BC Winter Games in 2026.”

Quick Facts:

BC Winter Games (on average) - 19 sports, 2,100 participants (1,500 athletes, 600 coaches, managers and officials), 2,000 volunteers.
Athletes range in age from 9 -19 years depending on the sport. The average age of the athletes is 14.
There will be competition in approximately 19 sports including competition for athletes with a disability.
2,000 community volunteers will be involved in planning and staging the Games.
The BC Winter Games are held every two years in the even calendar year.
The 2026 BC Winter Games will be held February 19 0 22, 2026.
The estimated economic impact of the BC Winter Games is $1.6 million.

Learn More:
For information about the BC Games Society and the bid process please visit: www.bcgames.org.

About the BC Games Society
The BC Games Society is the leadership organization that guides the BC Winter and BC Summer Games and prepares Team BC for national multi-sport Games. Since 1978, the BC Games have taken place in 38 communities and brought together thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators in celebration of sport and community excellence. It is a milestone event that people count as an exceptional experience where memories, friendships, spirit, and pride are abundant.

Media Contacts:

BC Games Society
250 387-1375

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
250 208-4309

City of Trail
Mayor Lisa Pasin, City of Trail
250 364-0804

City of Rossland
Mayor Kathy Moore
250 362-7396

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