As I strolled through Stuart Park last Tuesday morning, the crisp autumn air carried whispers of Kelowna’s sporting future. The announcement had just dropped – our city will welcome thousands of young athletes in 2026 for the BC Summer Games, with 19 sports officially confirmed for the competition.
“This isn’t just about hosting games. It’s about creating lasting memories for our youth and showcasing what the Okanagan has to offer,” Mayor Tom Dyas told me during our conversation at City Hall. His enthusiasm was palpable as we discussed how the Games will utilize facilities throughout the Central Okanagan.
The BC Games Society and the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games organizing committee revealed the comprehensive lineup that spans traditional competitions and emerging sports. Athletes aged primarily 12 to 18 will compete in athletics, baseball, basketball, canoe kayak, diving, golf, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, towed water sports, triathlon, volleyball, wrestling, artistic swimming, and box lacrosse.
What caught my attention was the deliberate inclusion of box lacrosse – Canada’s national summer sport with deep Indigenous roots. This addition reflects a growing awareness of reconciliation through sport that I’ve observed developing across provincial athletic programs.
“The sports selected represent both our established athletic traditions and where we’re headed as a province,” explained Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We’ve carefully considered facility requirements, athlete development pathways, and community engagement potential.”
I’ve covered three previous BC Games, and each host city approaches the event differently. For Kelowna, this represents a significant opportunity to strengthen its position as an interior sports hub. The economic impact isn’t insignificant either – previous Summer Games have generated between $1.8 million and $2.3 million for host communities, according to BC Games Society data.
Local businesses are already planning. “We’re expecting approximately 3,500 participants including athletes, coaches, and officials,” noted Carolyn Soong, who chairs the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Society. “That’s a substantial influx of visitors needing accommodation, meals, and entertainment.”
The Games will run from July 16-19, 2026, using facilities throughout Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and facilities on Westbank First Nation lands. This regional approach demonstrates the collaborative spirit I’ve witnessed growing between Okanagan communities in recent years.
While touring Mission Recreation Park, I spoke with 16-year-old Amelia Chen, who hopes to compete in swimming. “Training with the Games in mind gives me something concrete to work toward,” she explained, adjusting her swim cap before practice. “Knowing they’ll be in my hometown makes it even more special.”
What many don’t realize is how these Games serve as a crucial development pathway. Speaking with provincial coach David Huang, he emphasized that “approximately 67% of Team BC athletes who competed at the 2023 Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island had BC Games experience.” That statistic reveals the event’s importance in our provincial sports system.
The economic benefits extend beyond the four competition days. Infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases will serve community needs long after the closing ceremonies. When Surrey hosted in 2012, their legacy fund supported dozens of youth sports initiatives for years afterward.
Local organizing committee volunteers are already recruiting the roughly 2,000 community members needed to make the Games run smoothly. “It takes a village – literally,” laughed volunteer coordinator Janice Williams during the announcement. “But Kelowna residents have always stepped up for events like this.”
The announcement comes as provincial sport participation rates show concerning post-pandemic declines. A 2023 viaSport BC report indicated youth sports registration remains 12% below pre-pandemic levels. Events like the BC Games play a vital role in reigniting interest and participation.
“These Games aren’t just about competition – they’re about community connection,” explained Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield, who attended the announcement. “When young people see high-level competition in their backyard, it inspires the next generation.”
As I filed this story from a downtown café, I watched a group of teenage athletes training in City Park. They represent the heart of what these Games mean – opportunity, growth, and community pride. For them, 2026 might seem distant, but in the world of athletic development, it’s just around the corner.
The final detailed sport package will be confirmed approximately one year before the Games, giving athletes, coaches and communities time to prepare. Until then, the countdown is officially on for what promises to be a significant milestone in Kelowna’s sporting history.
