Let the Games begin!
Athletes, dignitaries, officials, entertainers, family and fans packed the Trail Memorial Centre Thursday night for the opening ceremony of the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games.
“I extend my congratulations to all athletes competing in this year’s BC Winter Games as you showcase the hard work, dedication and passion that brought you here,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
Trail champion bowler Tim Flack and Special Olympics BC-Trail swimmer Alyssa Berdusco mounted the stage and lit the torch to officially start the Winter Games.
“Your achievements highlight the power of sport to inspire confidence, leadership and lifelong teamwork. We’re cheering you on every step of the way,” said Kang.
Over 1,400 athletes, coaches and officials representing eight regions entered the arena for the opening ceremony, preceded by the Royal Canadian Legion Honour Guard, Trail Pipe Band, RCMP, various Games officials, local and provincial dignitaries, and Indigenous leaders.
They were followed by an energetic and enthusiastic river of athletes decked out in their eight zone colours, flowing into the arena decorated, dazzling, and delighted.
A rousing national anthem from November Scott, and performances from the Webster School Drummers, Indian fusion dance group – Team Senhaamrtham, and can-can-kicking Boom Town Garter Girls energized the athletes on the floor and attendees in the stands.
Inspiring speeches were mixed in between, leading to an uplifting performance from the Kootenay Men’s Choir and the Friends of Family Choir, who set the stage for the the Games Athlete’s Oath recital from Annika Merg, a cross-country skier from Rossland.
The torch-lighting ceremony followed with track-and-field phenom Theresa Hanlon Hanson passing the torch to former National Team baseball player and Philadelphia Phillies draft pick Chris Kissock, who handed it to Grand Forks basketball player Georgia Campeau, and finally to Flack and Berdusco for the cauldron lighting.
Event emcee Chris Kuchar was as eloquent and engaging as always and provided interesting details about the Games.
“We are excited to welcome three chartered flights, 35 buses, 960 athletes, 307 coaches, and over 181 officials to our communities,” he said. “These Games unite our province in a celebration of community and sport as there is representation from 90 of 93 constituencies in B.C. across 131 communities.”
Kuchar added that there are more than 1,600 volunteers doing everything from running events to feeding 18,000 meals in four days, that includes 15,000 eggs, 13,000 sausages, 400 pounds of tomatoes, 5,200 buns and 1,300 scones.
In all, food-service volunteers will make 16,000 meals, the combined population of Trail, Rossland and Warfield.
“I also want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Host Society, volunteers and community for bringing the Trail-Rossland Games to life and creating an unforgettable experience for these youth,” Kang said.
“Without you, these Games wouldn’t be possible.”
Bon appetit!