Kelowna recently marked the road to the 2026 BC Summer Games—set to take place in the city from July 22–26—with a ceremonial torchlighting event at Stuart Park, which included remarks from Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, representatives from the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Society, and leadership from Westbank First Nation.

“Hosting the BC Summer Games is an exciting opportunity for Kelowna,” says Devin Rubadeau, President, Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Society. “The torchlighting ceremony is a chance to recognize the work already underway, and the many volunteers and community partners helping prepare for the Games.”

^{Pictured (L-R): Westbank First Nation Councillor, Jordan Coble; Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas; Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games Society President, Devin Rubadeau. Image credit: BC Games Society}

The 2026 BC Summer Games will see approximately 2,800 athletes—along with coaches, officials, family members, and volunteers—aged 12 to 18 from communities across the province travel to our region for a week of competition and a celebration of youth athletics and community sport. Competing as members of regional zone teams, the athletes will take part in competitions at venues throughout Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Coaches, officials, family members, and volunteers will also travel and participate in the event. 

The BC Games, held in communities across the province since 1978, have helped launch the careers of many athletes who later competed at national and international levels.

To learn more about the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games and how to get involved, visit bcsummergames.ca.

Header image: Torch runners gather in Stuart Park, BC Games Society