There are 100 days until the 55-Plus B.C. Games light up Nanaimo, and that milestone was marked this week with a torch ceremony downtown.
The ceremony was held Thursday, June 19, as part of opening night of the Commercial Street Night Market.
Coun. Ian Thorpe, a games board member, told the crowd that the 55-Plus B.C. Games aren't just a sporting competition, but also a tourism driver.
"I'm really excited, because hosting the games is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our city with its sporting community and celebrate our facilities and our sports heritage," he said.
Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo-Gabriola MLA, shared some of Premier David Eby's written remarks about looking forward to the games, and also expressed her own excitement.
"We've got fantastic recreational facilities, better than anywhere else on Vancouver Island, because a lot of people have worked hard to build and invest. We've got the hotel capacity now. Conditions are perfect, and this is going to be an amazing celebration," she said.
Diane Murphy, president of the B.C. Seniors Games Society, said the games are about active living, participation for life, sport and friends.
"Everyone is excited to come to Nanaimo to enjoy good competition, see old friends, see young friends, celebrate at the various special events and experience the incredible hospitality of Nanaimo and the local community," she said.
Diana Johnstone, president of the Nanaimo 55-Plus B.C. Games host society, said the games will be a marvellous event, with participants setting an example for young people. She thanked her team for the work done so far, but noted that there is still a need for more volunteers to sign up.
"You will make amazing memories welcoming guests to our city who will be impressed by our pristine parks and facilities and the hospitality you will provide," she said.
The games will involve competition in 21 sports and games at 20 venues in and around Nanaimo over four days from Sept. 9-13. Approximately 2,700 participants are registered and more than 1,200 volunteers will be needed in various capacities. The local organizing committee anticipates $3 million in economic activity related to hosting the event.
To find out about volunteering opportunities, visit http://55plusbcgames.org/nanaimo.
