On the first day of the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna, wildfire smoke has postponed all outdoor events.
As of the afternoon of Thursday, July 23, the outdoor sports have been postponed for the rest of the day due to the smoke.
“Due to poor levels of air quality in the Central Okanagan and the Southern Interior, all outdoor sports are suspending practices and competition as of this afternoon,” reads a BC Summer Games press release.
Currently, the Central Okanagan is under an orange-coded air quality warning while the entire Okanagan is ranked at 10+ (very high risk) on B.C.’s air quality health index, the highest rank possible.
Ultimate frisbee, towed water sports, and sailing are all postponed. However, all indoor sports will proceed and remain on schedule.
BC Summer Games says it will continue to monitor the conditions ahead of any upcoming outdoor events.
As of now, the opening ceremonies at Prospera Place are expected to proceed. The event is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday night.