The torch is lit: Winter Games officially underway in Greater Vernon

The 2022 Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games are officially underway.

The opening ceremony for the delayed youth sporting event was held at Kal Tire Place Thursday night, Mar. 23.

The ceremony saw the athletes, coaches and officials file into the stadium, which was filled with over 1,000 people from across the province.

A series of speakers addressed the athletes and the crowd after the seats at te arena had been filled.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming reminded athletes that the most important thing “is to have fun” but also encouraged them to try their hardest at their events.

Nicky Dunlop, president of the Greater Vernon Winter Games, said the Games showcase and celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and also thanked local Sylix artist David Wilson for designing the pictographs depicting the 15 featured sports for the event.

Lana Popham, B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, said she was very proud of all the athletes and their families, and reflected on missing her chance to participate in the B.C. Winter Games as a youth but added she was happy to finally be part of one as the provincial representative.

Mike Shaw, the athlete ambassador, told his story of recovering from a serious ski injury that paralyzed him from the neck down, as well as touched on key points such as the athlete mentality, staying focused, the importance of teamwork and hard work, and gratitude.

Both Cumming and Dunlop also thanked the roughly 1,500 volunteers helping organize the games.

Mitchell Robertson, a green belt at the Lake Country Judo Club, read the Athlete’s Oath at the opening ceremony.

After the speeches, local athletes relayed the torch and lit the cauldron to mark the start of the 2022 Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games.

Biathlete Sierra Munroe started with the flame, handing it off to alpine skier Olivia Lahey and finally to judo athlete Jordyn McRory who lit the cauldron at Kal Tire Place.

From Friday to Sunday, over 900 youth athletes from across the province will compete in 15 sporting events ranging from downhill skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort to figure skating at Priest Valley Arena to judo at Clarence Fulton Secondary to wheelchair basketball at Lavington School and Community Centre. The full schedule can be found here.

Okanagan Indian Band Councillor Allen Louis also offered a prayer at the event.

Thursday’s ceremony also featured dance performances from local youths, a DJ playing some music, and the Birch Creek Singers performing the Okanagan Welcoming Song and the Travel Song.

The event was postponed from 2022 due to COVID-19 and the impact of wildfires and floods.

It has an estimated economic spinoff of $1.2 million.