BC Summer Games facilitates the further development of officials, coaches, and athletes and the development of communities and sport through event hosting, skill improvement, and infrastructure. The games served as a stepping-stone for many coaches and athletes, including Paralympian Josh Dueck, Brent Hayden, Maelle Ricker, Carol Huynh, Denny Morrison, and many others. There are famous alumni such as Justin Morneau, Jeff Francis, and Ryder Hesjedal, competing in disciplines such as baseball and cycling. Participants compete over a host of other disciplines such as soccer, sailing, rugby (girls and boys), rowing, lacrosse, inline hockey, softball, golf, and so on.
2012 Summer Games in Figures
In total, attendants included 399 officials, 573 coaches, and 2,818 athletes or 3,790 participants. They competed in different disciplines for 1 of 8 zones. Attendants competed across 20 disciplines, including barefooting, wakeboarding, water skiing, and other water sports. Other sports include alpine skiing, wrestling, speed skating, hockey, and athletics. Athletes with disabilities also attended the BC Summer Games and competed in Para and Special Olympics (swimming), Para equestrian, and Special Olympics (athletics). The average age of participants was 14 years. Major events in 2012 included the Closing and Opening Ceremonies, Participant Special Events, and the Competitions. The official song of the games was co-composed by Doug Johnson and performed by Payton Rector, aged 14.
Organization and Funding
Some 3,500 volunteers were involved, and directors were responsible for coordinating the chairs which were comprised of volunteers. The chairs were mainly tasked with operation and planning. In fact, the volunteers helped prepare more than 32,000 meals in just 4 days. Corporate partners included Coast Capital Savings, Black Press/ Surrey Leader, CN, Global BC, and Jazz Air. Among the funding partners were School District #36, City of Surrey, and the Province of BC. The City of Surrey provided facilities, in-kind services, and $45,000 in cash while the BC Games Society offered funding in the amount of $600,000. All corporate partners contributed in-kind services and funding. Local businesses (Friends of the Game) also provided in-kind services and goods and cash. Finally, School District #36 offered accommodation for the participants.