CITIES CHOSEN FOR 2012, 2014 BC SUMMER & WINTER GAMES

VICTORIA – The cities of Surrey, Vernon, Nanaimo and Mission have been chosen to host the 2012 and 2014 BC Summer and BC Winter Games, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport Mary Polak announced today. “B.C. already has an international reputation for excellence in sport hosting and the BC Games will give these four communities the opportunity to gain valuable experience in hosting, while showcasing their cities to the rest of the province,” said Polak. “The BC Games bring thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, spectators and visitors to the host community, bringing significant benefits with them.” Surrey will host the 2012 BC Summer Games; Vernon, the 2012 BC Winter Games; Nanaimo, the 2014 BC Summer Games; and Mission, the 2014 BC Winter Games. The BC Games are the province’s largest multi-disciplinary organized competitions and contribute to community, volunteer, and sport development. Host communities welcome athletes and coaches but also build volunteer capacity, engage local business, and realize a direct economic impact of over $2 million.