When Jennifer Jobin saw an online call-out for volunteers for the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna, it immediately brought her back to her own Summer Games experience in Saskatchewan when she was a young athlete.
“It’s kind of neat to see that come around,” the Kelowna resident and former synchronized swimmer told Black Press Media at the volunteer booth at the Rutland Recreation Park, with games of ultimate frisbee and girls’ rugby taking place on either side of her.
“They were looking for volunteers, and I just started taking Fridays off at work, and I said, well, there’s no better way to support your community than giving a little extra time, and I thought, why not?”
Volunteers have been putting more than a little time into this year’s Games. Over 2,000 community members have stepped up to volunteer, logging thousands of hours to ensure the Games go smoothly and safely.
“It’s been incredible,” said Christina Skinner, PR chair for the Games. “One thing that I know is that many of the volunteers have been involved in other events as well, so this is a community that really supports their community events in many different ways.”
Kids come from all over the province to compete in the Games, and local volunteers make sure Kelowna puts its best foot forward as host.
In fact, none of the sporting events on the schedule would take place if not for countless volunteer hours.
“It’s their time to shine,” Skinner said of the athletes. “They worked really hard to be there, and one thing that I love about all the volunteers is just their drive to support these amazing athletes. It’s really inspiring.”
Few understand the extent the Games rely on people stepping up in volunteer roles, as well as just how big an operation it is, Skinner said.
“We’ve got venues all across the valley, we’ve got venues in Vernon, we’ve got venues all over Kelowna. Orchestrating something like this solely by volunteers with the support of the Games Society is a huge undertaking.”
At École Okanagan Mission Secondary School on Saturday afternoon, volunteers Christina Roderigues and May Ling Chow were guiding people to the downstairs gym, where some thrilling basketball action awaited.
“I do a lot of volunteering for the community and just thought it would be great to help out,” Roderigues said. “I know it takes a lot of people to make something like this happen.”
Chow, a teacher, said she enjoys sports and children, and could think of no event that’s a better marriage of the two.
Not all volunteers are official Games volunteers. Chow said because students are using school gyms and even sleeping in schools, school staff have to work to keep the buildings operating, from the janitorial staff all the way to principals.
“A lot of school district staff are here to provide service to everybody,” Chow said.
Chow and Roderigues are volunteering in an accommodations capacity, making sure athletes are safe and have a place to stay. There are tons of other roles volunteers play, from photography and digital media, cooking and cleaning, scorekeepers and medal presenters to the directors who oversee the whole operation.
“It’s a very complex volunteer-run event,” Skinner said.
As the young athletes put their sweat and tears into their performances, Jobin said the volunteers have rallied around them with a special sense of pride in what they’re doing.
“I just think people have really showed up and put their heart and soul into it, to support the families and the kids and the sports themselves,” she said.
“We want to showcase Kelowna in the best way. We’re such a great city for hosting events.”
It doesn’t hurt that wildfire smoke has cleared a fair bit in the city Saturday, allowing the Games — in particular the outdoor events — to go as scheduled.
There are plenty more events happening Saturday and Sunday, and it’s not too late to volunteer.
Additional volunteers are still needed in several key areas, including logistics, accommodation, food services, marketing, photography and protocol.
“Whether you can volunteer for a single shift or throughout the Games, every role helps create an exceptional experience for athletes and their families,” Skinner said.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to sign up today at bcgames.org/volunteer/.