Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 23 February 2012 21:00
A capacity crowd helped open the 2012 BC Winter Games at Wesbild Centre. Premier Christy Clark was on hand, and she also lit the torch, taking it from local athletes Steven Linemayr and Connie Kapak. Clark told the crowd, "I am delighted to be here. What an honour.
Over the past 33 years, the BC Games is where our province's budding
sports heroes have come to shine." Clark had a message for the more than 1,100 athletes. She said Canada's greatest athlete was Terry Fox who never
participated in an Olympics, but he inspired so many with his
determination and courage. "All of you are learning important lessons. You're learning to be
role models, to step up with courage and determination. We are all so
proud of you." Host committee president Akbal Mund thanked the volunteers. "There's two-thousand-four hundred and-34 of us out here, and without them, these Games would not be possible." Mund also thanked the parents of the athletes. "They spend all the time waking up early, getting the kids up, getting them out there. You're doing a great job." Vernon mayor Rob Sawatzky joked about the mild conditions. "I apologize for this warm weather. I know you wanted cold, minus 20
degrees, but I think maybe City Hall opened up and all the hot air came
out." Melissa Severson, Jenna Cotter and Nick Berg also handled the torch while in Wesbild Centre. The opening ceremony lasted about 90 minutes and featured numerous acts and entertainment. Vernon native Randene Neill of Global BC was the MC. Competition in 15 sports gets underway Friday at venues in Vernon, Armstrong, Silver Star and Coldstream.
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Visit www.2012bcwintergames.ca for schedules of all sports.
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