Two Okanagan communities will host upcoming B.C. 55+ Games

OKANAGAN – Vernon and Kelowna have been selection to host upcoming B.C. 55+ Games.

The 2017 games will be held in Vernon, supported by the Armstrong and Spallumcheen, and the 2019 games will be in Kelowna. Cranbrook and Kimberley in the East Kootenays will host the games in 2018.

Vernon hosted the inaugural games in 1988.

Penticton had a bid in for the one of the games, but came up short. The Peach City hosted the event in 2004.

Kamloops last held the games in 2013 and wasn’t in the running this time around.

The B.C. 55+ Games, which used to be called the B.C. Senior Games, mean big bucks in economic spinoffs for the host communities.

It’s estimated the roughly 3,800 athletes and their families will create about $2 million in economic activity for the host communities, according to the B.C. Senior Games Society.

“Our members will be extremely excited about the opportunity to travel, stay and compete in these three geographical areas of our amazing province,” Seniors Games Society president Wayne Naka says in a media release. “We will make an immense and positive impact on your communities as we transform the image and attitudes towards the 55+ population among residents of all ages in British Columbia.”

Kelowna mayor Colin Basran says his community has an excellent resume of hosting exceptional multi-sport games and other high profile events.

“Our community showcases healthy living and competitive sport in a stunning four-season playground,” Basran says in the release. We look forward to hosting a most successful 55+ BC Games in 2019.”