Return of BC Games brings back competition opportunities for B.C. athletes

July 8, 2022, Vancouver, B.C. – Congratulations to the 19 viaSport-accredited sport organizations who will be competing in the 2022 BC Summer Games this July. The upcoming Games in Prince George in July represent a milestone to the recovery of sport post-pandemic, bringing together athletes from around the province in competition. The BC Games are integral for athletes, coaches, and officials as they continue along their sport development pathway and strive for higher levels of competition. The Games bring communities together, train leaders, and create exposure and recognition opportunities for the host communities. The BC Games have become part of the historical record of these communities and for many, an honour and experience that has inspired them to build a vibrant sport tourism industry.

All BC Games sports and the respective participants are from Provincial Sport Organizations (PSO) and Disability Sport Organizations (DSO) accredited by viaSport. BC Games General Rules provide details of the general eligibility requirements as well as competition parameters and rules for inclusion in the BC Games. BC Summer Games sports can be found on the BC Games website, here.

In B.C., all Accredited PSOs and DSOs work to ensure high-quality experiences for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers to ensure the system is delivering high-quality sport experiences that gain the trust and confidence of the public. These sport organizations are also responsible for the sport’s organization, growth and development, and their respective clubs are committed to meeting the standards of a high-quality sport experience. Standards for these organizations include: implementation of the Long-Term Athlete Development model principles; delivery of the National Coaching Certification Program and equivalent officials development programming; maintenance of good standing with the B.C. Societies Act, and; upholding policies related to equity, screening, conduct and dispute resolution. These organizations are recognized by their National Sport Organization as the authoritative and governing body for their sport in the province, are considered part of the federated sport system, and are required to comply with their National Sport Organizations’ bylaws, rules, regulations and policies.

viaSport’s recognition framework consists of three tiers of PSOs and DSOs, which are not-for- profit organizations:

• Affiliated – an organization serving a demonstrated need of a particular demographic, region, sport or group of sports that others are not able to meet, but is not the exclusive provincial organizing body of the sport;
• Recognized –the entity responsible for the organization and development of a sport, sports or group of sport disciplines in British Columbia operating at least three BC Games Zones, and;
• Accredited – the authoritative body for a sport, sports or group of sport disciplines in British Columbia, also responsible for the sport’s organization, growth and development as they operate in at least five BC Games Zones.

Sports not currently part of this federated system in B.C. can learn more about the standards and apply on the viaSport website partner page or contact info@viasport.ca. A complete listing of current partners can be found on the viaSport PSO/DSO Partners page.