Heavy smoke in the Okanagan Valley may have postponed all outdoor sports during Day 1 of the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna, but that didn’t stop the opening ceremony from taking place at Prospera Place Thursday evening (July 23).
Roughly 5,000 people, including more than 3,000 athletes, jammed into the downtown arena to get a glimpse of the cauldron being lit, officially marking the kickoff to the 2026 BC Summer Games, which is set to host 19 different sports between July 23-26.
Following a bagpipe performance to start the ceremony, there were several speeches, greetings and remarks from a variety of different people and organizations, including Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas.
“Thank you for travelling here and thank you for being here with us,” said Dyas from the podium on stage. “… This is a very proud and special moment for Kelowna.”
Other speakers at the event included Dan Wilson of Westbank First Nation, School District 23, the BC Summer Games President Devin Rubadeau, Ladysmith and Oceanside MLA Stephanie Hickinson and more.
“Support each other, enjoy the moment, and let the games begin,” said Madison Jack of Westbank First Nation following a short speech on stage.
The opening ceremony also included multiple performances from Kelowna Senior Secondary’s jazz choir and Kelowna’s Core Dance Project, who each performed twice on stage.
Thirteen-year-old local basketball player Ollie Fisher was part of the official Athletes Oath, which calls for fair play, respect and sportsmanship amongst all athletes during the BC Summer Games.
The lighting of the cauldron closed out the ceremony, with hope amongst athletes and spectators that the smoky skies will clear and the outdoor games will resume as soon as possible.