The countdown to the 2026 B.C. Winter Games has begun and the call for volunteers loud and proud.
The Games society rallied the community in a torchlighting ceremony at the Trail Memorial Centre gym on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Rannde Wyatt, former Miss Trail and current Miss B.C. Ambassador, emceed the event and welcomed the Royal Canadian Legion honour guard and Trail Pipe Band as they ushered in the mayors of Trail and Rossland, MP Anne Kang, the games board of directors, local legends, athletes and supporters.
The Winter Games is less than three months away and organizers are expecting up to 1,200 athletes and coaches to compete at several venues in the communities of Trail and Rossland from Feb. 25 to March 1, 2026.
“What a special moment it is for our region,” said Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “Trail and Rossland cohosting the 2026 BC Winter Games and I think all of us feel a real sense of pride in that. We may be two separate cities, but we are one community when it comes to supporting our young people, our volunteers and the amazing spirit of the Kootenays.”
Jones noted the cooperation the city’s of Trail and Rossland share when it comes to supporting sporting and cultural events that transcend the world of politics.
“So let’s make this torch the first spark of what is going to be an unforgettable BC Winter Games,” said Jones.
Rossland Mayor Andy Morel spoke about the importance of community collaboration and cooperation, and how all seven communities and Regional Districts within Greater Trail and Castlegar play vital roles in making these events a success.
The region has a history of hosting major events such as the 1982 and 2006 B.C. Winter Games, the 1996 B.C. Summer Games and the 2011 B.C. Senior Games.
Greater Trail has also hosted multiple provincial and regional competitions in a variety of sports including swimming, hockey, baseball, soccer, downhill and cross-country skiing, track and field and more.
“Volunteers are going to be critical, as 1,800 visitors are coming to the area, it is going to take potentially that many in volunteers to support that many visitors to the area.
“We want to make this the best Winter Games ever,” added Morel. “Welcome to the 2026 Winter Games … Let it snow!”
Lighting of the torch signifies the beginning of the games for organizers and volunteers, but for athletes the lighting of a new Games’ cauldron will signify the start of the Winter Games competition on Feb. 25.
“There are 15 different sports,” said board president Brian Stefani. “And you can appreciate there is a large number of organizational and logistical challenges to get that done. So we are looking for volunteers, and we’re looking at probably close to 1,700 volunteers. If you can help that would be much appreciated.”
As the speeches closed, local athletes lit the torch and passed it from one to another until it reached the stage, where local legends — Red Mountain ski patrol member and cyclist Rino DiBiasio, ‘61 Smoke Eater Dave Rusnell, and longtime Rossland curler Jim Albo — were recognized, and the countdown to the Games officially underway.
For more information or to volunteer go to the B.C. Winter Games website at bc.games.org.