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Lakecity residents invited to get involved with Canada Summer Games

Williams Lake is being invited to participate in the 2015 Canada Games taking place in Prince George.

Williams Lake is being invited to participate in the 2015 Canada Games taking place in Prince George.

The Canada Games are held every second year.

They feature 19 sports, mostly traditional winter events, however, games like badminton will also be on the roster.

“The variety allows for gender balance and a variety of venues,” Canada Games Host Society CEO Stuart Ballantyne told city council Tuesday.

Thirty-plus venues will host the games during 18 days and it is anticipated they will generate $90 million in revenue, create more than 700 jobs and draw 15,000 additional visitors.

It’s the third time the games have been hosted in B.C., but the first time for the winter edition.

For the first time ever, the games will have a First Nations host, with the Lheidli T’enneh taking on that role.

A medal design contest and markets throughout the Games will engage artists, as well.

In June a call for torch bearers will go out, director of marketing and communications Mike Davis said.

“We have 150 spots for torch bearers and will take nominations from anyone who is inspiring in your community,” Davis said.

Torch bearers should exhibit four core values: sport, youth, culture and community. Selected torch bearers will be names in September.

Cities are also being asked to compete to host one of three major torch events.

The torch will tour from Nov. 4 until February when the games begin.

Northern BC Tourism has developed three pillars for the games, including a tiny house concept to represent and showcase the main four regions of central and northern B.C.

As well, the Northern BC Plaza in Prince George will provide an opportunity to showcase the way northern communities celebrate, such as the Williams Lake Stampede.

“In June we will be sending out letters to all of our cities, outlining our plans,” Davis said.



Monica Lamb-Yorski

About the Author: Monica Lamb-Yorski

A B.C. gal, I was born in Alert Bay, raised in Nelson, graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and wrote my first-ever article for the Prince Rupert Daily News.
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