PHOTOS: BC Summer Games officially underway following opening ceremony in Kelowna
The 2026 BC Summer Games are officially underway in Kelowna, with the opening ceremony taking place at Prospera Place on Thursday evening. Approximately 5,000 people, including over 3,000 athletes, gathered for the event. The Games are scheduled to host 19 different sports between July 23 and 26.
Despite the excitement, heavy smoke in the Okanagan Valley led to the postponement of all outdoor sports during Day 1 of the Games. Organizers and attendees expressed hope that the smoky skies would clear to allow outdoor competitions to resume.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony began with a bagpipe performance, followed by various speeches and greetings. Speakers included Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, who welcomed attendees and expressed pride in Kelowna hosting the event. Other notable speakers were Dan Wilson and Madison Jack of Westbank First Nation, School District 23 representatives, BC Summer Games President Devin Rubadeau, and Ladysmith and Oceanside MLA Stephanie Hickinson.
Madison Jack encouraged participants to support each other and enjoy the moment. The event also featured performances from Kelowna Senior Secondary’s jazz choir and Kelowna’s Core Dance Project, each performing twice on stage. The official Athletes Oath, which emphasizes fair play, respect, and sportsmanship, was also part of the ceremony.
The lighting of the cauldron marked the official start of the Games, concluding the opening ceremony.
Competition and Road Closures
While some outdoor events were postponed, the first competitions for the 2026 BC Summer Games were held on July 24. Kayakers participated in a Kayak Polo tournament at Parkinson Recreation Centre in the morning. Later in the day, basketball teams competed in a tournament at Okanagan Mission Secondary, and H2O Adventure hosted solo artistic swimming competitions in the afternoon.
However, sports such as ultimate frisbee, towed water sports, and sailing competitions were postponed due to wildfire smoke. This marks the first time Kelowna has hosted the BC Summer Games since 2008.
Residents and visitors in Kelowna are advised of temporary road closures and traffic disruptions in downtown, Rutland, and the Sarsons Beach neighbourhood during the Games. On Thursday, July 23, Water St. (between Sunset Dr. and Prospera Place parking lot) was temporarily closed from approximately 6 pm to 10 pm to ensure the safe passage of over 3,000 event participants from Prospera Place to Waterfront Park for the opening ceremonies.
Rutland Centennial Park and a portion of the adjacent Roxby Rd. parking lot will be closed to accommodate athlete events on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, though the playground will remain accessible to the public. The BC Summer Games Triathlon, scheduled from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26, will take place at Sarsons Beach Park and its surrounding neighbourhood, leading to intermittent road closures and traffic disruptions during race times.
Access to neighbourhood streets will be maintained when safe, with marshals managing barricades as events progress. Sarsons Beach Park and Sarsons Activity Centre parking lots will be closed during competition periods and will reopen daily once racing activities are complete. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, be aware of athletes, cyclists, and event volunteers, and allow for additional travel time when navigating the affected areas during the 2026 BC Summer Games.
Source: nanaimobulletin.com
