BC Games Society – The BC Games Society is proud to announce $40,000 in funding to support important equipment investments for four winter sports. This funding is provided through the Society’s Powering Potential Fund which is an initiative to create new opportunities to strategically invest in projects to further develop sport in BC.

With the 2018 BC Winter Games taking place in Kamloops, projects were identified that could assist with staging the BC Games competitions but also be a lasting legacy for ongoing event hosting in the area or across the province. Four equipment purchase projects were chosen to support the sports of biathlon, cross country skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding.

Project Descriptions:

• With the absence of a biathlon range in Kamloops, Biathlon BC will run a modified competition at the 2018 BC Winter Games using an electronic rifle system. This system will be purchased through this funding providing age appropriate equipment for the athletes at the Games. The equipment will be valuable to support future training and competitions across the province.
• A full set of timing equipment will be funded for Cross Country BC. This is necessary for a BC Games level competition and will be used for future BC Games and regional events in the province.
• Sun Peaks Alpine Club will invest in a new radio repeater that will significantly boost the range and frequency of the two way radio communication at the mountain. This will benefit the BC Games competition and future events for alpine skiing as well as snowboard and freestyle ski.
• A new cross course starters gate will be constructed at Sun Peaks Resort that will help run effective and fair starts for snowboard cross events. This is the first time snowboarding has been a part of the BC Games and this permanent infrastructure will also benefit future races hosted on the mountain.

The Powering Potential Fund was launched in April 2017 with $50,000 in matching funding from the Province of BC. Through corporate and individual donations the fund continues to grow to allow for funding opportunities through grants such as these important equipment investments.

Quotes:
Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture
“The BC Games have positively influenced the lives of young athletes and communities for 40 years. Through the leadership of the BC Games Society, the Powering Potential Fund was created to invest in projects that develop athletes, teams, sport organizations and communities. The projects funded today, will provide access to equipment that will support the development of athletes, increasing access to sport and making life more affordable for British Columbians”.

Kelly Mann, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“Legacy is often spoken about after the Games have finished, but now through the foresight of the Powering Potential Fund we can work with sport leaders in the community to identify projects that can be a benefit now. Through the partnership with the recipient organizations, this equipment will be a benefit to hosting quality competitions for athletes across the province in the future.”

Wannes Luppens, Executive Director, Cross Country BC
“Due to the many race formats, course layouts, and photo finishes in cross country skiing, race timing is surprisingly complex and volunteer intensive. This grant will allow us to purchase modern, user-friendly timing equipment. With more than 50 race days per year in all corners of BC, this will be a significant legacy for cross country skiing in BC.”

Learn More:
BC Games Society: https://www.bcgames.org/

Donations to the Powering Potential Fund can be made by contacting the BC Games Society or by donating online: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/SportBC/default/item.php? ref=1181.0.214715405

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Contact:
Lia Threlfall
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
250-387-4688 (office)
250-812-3887 (mobile)
liat@bcgames.org