Three legacy projects of the B.C. Summer Games were unveiled by the city on Thursday afternoon during an event celebrating the contributions of volunteers and community partners.
Ernie Daykin, who was vice president of the 2024 B.C. Summer Games in Maple Ridge, told the crowd of about 50 who attended the event at Telosky Stadium, that when all the bills were paid after the games, Daykin said their legacy team was left with $90,000 for the projects.
In partnership with the city, they installed Canadian-made and manufactured wheelchair accessible bleachers at Telosky Stadium, and planted 10 trees at the venue as well, which will, in the coming years, provide shade for those using the facility.
The third legacy project was in partnership with the Maple Ridge Community Foundation, to create a fund to provide granting for local sports organizations for the development of youth athletes to excel at their chosen sport, Daykin said.
Laura Butler, who was president of the local games, talked about the experience and shared some memories before thanking everyone who took part.
She said the logistics were huge, but everyone from local MLAs, to the B.C. Summer Games Society, to City of Maple Ridge council and staff, were there when they needed them.
“The pride in our community and your professionalism and the dedication were key in delivering an exceptional event,” she noted.
Butler closed with thanks to the volunteers, who she said were amazing.
“You all helped ensure that over 20 different sport competitions, encompassing 3,000 athletes, coaches, and sport officials went off without a hitch,” added Butler, joking they ran the biggest hotel chain, bus service, and restaurant in the city for five whole days.
“Best of all you created wonderful memories for all of our guests, and we became team Maple Ridge. Today’s legacy announcement would not be possible without you,” she said.
A legacy comes in many shapes and forms – it can be the legacy of a place, a facility, or monetary, said Daykin.
“Or it can be the memories of an amazing coach; being part of a gold medal winning team; or for the coach and athletes, helping those youths achieve their dreams,” he said, also thanking SD42, for providing the lodgings for the athletes.
City of Maple Ridge Mayor also gave a short speech along with Francis Cheung, B.C. Summer Games Society finance committee chair, after which a ceremonial tree planting was held, in addition to a plaque unveiling, and a ribbon cutting.
Douglas fir seedlings were handed out at the event for people to plant, and a barbecue was hosted by Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue.