Trail—Rossland Welcome the Province as 2026 BC Winter Games Open
By Contributor
Written by: Karlie Shaughnessy
For hundreds of young athletes, the moment finally arrived Thursday night as the region welcomed more than 1,450 volunteers, 1,600 young athletes, and families from 131 communities across British Columbia who gathered to officially open the 2026 BC Winter Games. Before a single medal is awarded, before the first whistle blows or skis carve through snow, there is this moment: the roar of a crowd, the skirl of bagpipes, and a chorus line of high-kicking can-can dancers putting Kootenay culture on centre stage.
Inside the Trail Memorial Centre, teams representing 15 sports and 16 Provincial sport organizations prepared to begin four days of competition. Over the course of the Games, 930 medals will be awarded, but opening night was about more than podium finishes. It was about community, connection, and the shared spirit of welcoming the province to the Kootenays.
The ceremony opened with the Trail Pipe Band, with bagpipes echoing as hosts recognized Games officials, Indigenous representatives, and municipal leaders. Jared Basil of the Ktunaxa Nation welcomed athletes and families, noting that “sport and athletics have the ability to bring us together” and reminding competitors that “success is where preparation meets opportunity,” encouraging athletes to savour the experience. Herb Alex of the Sinixt Confederacy, and a former BC Winter Games alpine skiing participant, echoed that message: “It’s an amazing event. Have fun, stay safe and respect everyone.”
Athletes have travelled from every corner of British Columbia to be here, some from as far away as Prince Rupert, nearly 1,700 kilometres from Trail/Rossland. All athletes’ journeys involved 35 coach buses, 15 school district buses, three charter flights, and the careful coordination of more than 3,000 pieces of luggage.
For many, the opening ceremony marked the culmination of months, and in some cases years, of training, early mornings, and long travel days.
One by one, zones marched into the arena in a parade of colour and celebration:
- Zone 2 (RED) – Thompson Okanagan
- Zone 3 (Light Blue) – Fraser Valley
- Zone 4 (Orange) – Fraser River
- Zone 5 (Dark Green) – Vancouver Coastal
- Zone 6 (Light Green) – Vancouver Island Central Coast
- Zone 7 (Purple) – North West
- Zone 8 (Dark Blue) – Cariboo North East
- Lastly, lead by Zone 1 (Yellow) – Kootenays, led by Kootenay Olympian George Grey, who competed in 2006 and 2010, drawing cheers from the hometown crowd.
The evening’s entertainment showcased the depth of talent across the region, blending tradition, athleticism, and community spirit.
Webster Elementary School Drummers opened the performances with synchronized percussion and setting an energetic tone. Team Senhaamrtham followed with a vibrant cultural performance that brought expressive movement and intricate choreography to the ceremony. The group, formed recently by leader Amrtha Mary, who performed together for the first time during the opening celebration. Mary said the dancers were “proud to represent traditional Indian classical dance and open for the BC Winter Games,” marking a meaningful debut to the group.
Speeches from Games officials and local political representatives underscored the scale of the event and the effort required to host it. Then came the high kicks. Rossland’s Boomtown Garter Girls energized the arena with their signature cancan performance.
“Bringing old-style cancan to the BC Winter Games stage was an incredible honour,” said Valerie Rossi, known on stage as Ruby Tuesday. “We were proud to celebrate history while delivering the kind of high-energy performance that turns heads.”
The troupe has been high-kicking across stages for more than four decades, carrying forward a dance tradition that traces its roots to 19th-century Paris before finding a spirited home in Rossland’s mining-era celebrations. “Cancan is as athletic as it is glamorous—precision, stamina, and heart in every kick,” Rossi said. “If we left the crowd buzzing, and a little breathless just watching, then we did what we came to do.”
For some, the Games involve more than one role. Summer Recchi took the stage with the Boomtown Garter Girls while also acting as Special Event Chair, assisting in the organization of the opening and other ceremonies. “This is one of the largest events we have ever performed at,” said Recchi. “We are very excited for the opening of the Games and look forward to adding some Kootenay culture and heritage to the Games and the rest of B.C.”
The Kootenay Men’s Choir and the Friends and Family Choir closed the entertainment portion of the evening, their harmonies filling the arena in a powerful final tribute to collaboration and shared effort.
Behind the event lies a massive logistical undertaking. Over the course of the Games, more than 17,000 meals will be served. Six schools have been transformed into athlete villages, complete with 1,593 foam mattresses and 101 classrooms converted into dorm rooms.
Volunteers range in age from nine to 92—a reminder that the BC Winter Games are powered as much by community spirit as by athletic performance. From transportation and food services to medical teams and event coordination, thousands of hours of volunteer effort make the Games possible.
Notably, 14 BC Games alumni have gone on to compete at the 2026 Olympic Games, highlighting the event’s role as a launchpad for future champions. As the ceremony built toward the lighting of the cauldron, the message was clear: the BC Winter Games are about possibility.
For the athletes marching across the arena floor, some competing in their first major multi-sport event, this moment marked the beginning of something bigger than competition. It marked the start of friendships, memories, and experiences that will last long after the final medal is awarded.
For the Trail, Rossland area, the Games are officially underway.
Thursday BC Winter Games Recap Highlights
Artistic Gymnastics Competition Ready to Launch
By Kai Markin. JL Crowe Secondary Student
The gymnasium at Rossland Summit School has been transformed into a gymnast’s paradise for the 2026 BC Winter Games. Tumbling mats, pommel horses and a towering high bar now fill the space beneath the Canadian and B.C. flags, as artistic gymnasts took to the floor for training.
Despite the impressive skills on display, the atmosphere remained calm and focused. Other gymnasts observed from the bleachers, mentally preparing for their own sessions. “These training times are super important,” said North West Zone 7 Coach Dakota McNeil. “They give the athletes a chance to feel the environment they’ll be competing in — and we want them hyped for tomorrow.”
With competition set to begin Friday, the stage is set for an exciting start in artistic gymnastics.
Early Morning Focus Sets the Tone for Men’s Curling
By Kailey Reinhard, JL Crowe Secondary Student
At the Trail Curling Arena, men’s teams began their Games experience with early morning practice and preparation. Dressed in bright zone colours, athletes reviewed strategy before officials conducted mandatory broom inspections to ensure fairness and standardized equipment.
Once on the ice, players warmed up with controlled slides and takeoffs, filling the arena with the sound of gliding stones and coaches’ instructions. Off the ice, teams chatted easily — competitors united by their shared love of the sport.
The atmosphere blended focus and friendship, setting the tone for competition.
Judo Community Brings Experience and Tradition to the Games
By Caleb Reid, JL Crowe Secondary Student
At Fruitvale Elementary, judo coaches and officials brought decades of experience to the mat for the BC Winter Games. Many have dedicated 10, 15, even 40 years to the sport, drawn by its strong sense of community and the unique opportunity the Games provide young athletes.
Chair of the Coaching Development Committee in BC, Bruce Fingarson, began refereeing 25 years ago. He emphasizes safety and mentorship. “Refereeing is about being the right place at the right time and evaluating,” he explained.
For many athletes, this may be the only multi-sport event they experience. Yet the respect, tradition and sportsmanship — bowing at the start and end of every match — remain central to the sport’s enduring appeal.
Curling Builds Bonds Beyond the Ice
By Kailey Reinhard, JL Crowe Secondary Student
Beyond competition, men’s curling at the BC Winter Games is building lasting connections. Athletes from Kelowna and Williams Lake reflected on what the event means to them personally.
Kaydn Dunbar shared that competing alongside his brother makes the experience especially meaningful, crediting their grandfather for introducing them to the sport. “Coming here I only knew two teams, and now I know them all,” he said.
Players from Williams Lake echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how curling brings people together. For many, the Games are about more than results — they are about friendships, family traditions and shared passion.
Tradition and Team Spirit Highlight Archery Competition
By Kate Garlinge, PR Chair, 2026 BC Winter Games
Arrows flew at JL Crowe Secondary as archery competition began with a powerful tribute to tradition. Thompson-Okanagan Head Coach Bernard “Buzz” Manuel opened the event with drumming and song, honouring athletes and speaking about nurturing future generations. It marks his fifth BC Games, both as athlete and coach.
Coaches from Indigenous communities reflected on the importance of athletes representing both region and culture. Meanwhile, Cariboo North East Head Coach Lora-Lee Murray kept her team relaxed with a hot pink flamingo and playful distractions. “At this stage, it’s about keeping them out of their own heads,” she said.
Beyond competition, athletes connected over crafts and conversation — a reminder that the Games foster friendships as much as focus.
Wheelchair Basketball Opens with Intensity and Perspective
By Sam Auger, JL Crowe Secondary Student
Wheelchair basketball tipped off at JL Crowe Gym with an intense matchup between Thompson-Okanagan Zone 2 and Fraser Valley Zone 3. Thompson-Okanagan gained momentum in the second period, but Fraser Valley responded in the third to take a narrow lead.
The back-and-forth battle continued into the final period, where Fraser Valley ultimately secured the win. Despite the pressure, athletes kept perspective. Heath Redden shared that he reminds himself “it is just for fun,” while Iona Jespersen noted, “it doesn’t always matter if you win; it’s if you think you’ve done your personal best.”
The strong performances from both teams set an exciting tone for the tournament ahead.
Ringette Delivers High-Scoring Action and a Nail-Biter Finish
By Erin Baker, JL Crowe Secondary Student
Ringette action at Rossland Arena opened with a commanding 8–1 victory for Vancouver Coastal Zone 5 over Vancouver Island Central Coast Zone 6. Zone 5 set the pace early, building a 6–0 lead through patient passing and strong offensive pressure. Zone 6 responded in the second half, highlighted by standout saves from their goalie and an enthusiastic crowd that kept the energy high.
Later in the day, fans witnessed a thrilling showdown between Fraser River Zone 4 and Vancouver Coastal Zone 5. After multiple lead changes and relentless back-and-forth play, Zone 4 secured a dramatic 5–4 victory with just 11.5 seconds remaining.
The day showcased teamwork, perseverance and a crowd that celebrated every strong play as loudly as each goal.
Trail and Rossland Welcome the Province at Opening Ceremony
By Karlie Shaughnessy
More than 1,600 athletes and 1,450 volunteers gathered at the Trail Memorial Centre to officially open the 2026 BC Winter Games. Teams representing 15 sports marched into the arena in a colourful parade of zones, cheered on by family and community members.
The ceremony featured local performances, including drummers, cultural dance groups and Rossland’s Boomtown Garter Girls, whose high-energy cancan performance elicited hooting and hollering from the athletes. Indigenous leaders and Games officials welcomed athletes, emphasizing unity, opportunity and respect.
As the cauldron was lit, the message was clear: the Games are about more than medals. They mark the beginning of competition, connection and memories that will last long after the final event concludes.
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