The Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games will kick off next Thursday, July 19 with an opening ceremony that will inspire, delight and entertain.
From local dancers to pipes and drums to performances by Shane Koyczan and his band The Short Story Long, Asani and Circus West, more than 4,500 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers will be treated to a night to remember.
“Our volunteers have been hard at work for months planning all aspects of the opening ceremonies to create lifetime memories,” explained Jennifer Woike, president of the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games. “To make this a truly community event, the opening ceremony is free for everyone to attend – regardless of their involvement with the Games.”
“Laketown Ranch is hosting the opening ceremony, so there is lots of room for the community to come out, take in the entertainment and cheer on the athletes as they enter with their zones,” says Kirsten Schrader, director, Ceremonies & Special Events.
Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. to get everyone into celebration mode before the athletes’ parade starts at 7 p.m. Asani, from Edmonton, promises to sing the most memorable version of O Canada people will ever hear.
The Games will take place at 27 venues, including Fuller Lake Arena (lacrosse) and Chemainus Secondary School (wrestling) throughout the Cowichan region from July 19-22. The average age of the athletes is 14.
For more information about the BC Games, visit www.bcgames.org.