City of Vernon will approach the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) and the City of Armstrong to formally support a joint bid for the 2017 55+ BC Games (formerly called the Seniors Games). Due to the size of the games as well as the cost and commitment required to host an event, staff recommended that Vernon submit a unified bid for the games in conjunction with the City of Armstrong and Greater Vernon participants including Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B and C. Both Armstrong and GVAC have previously indicated they would be in favour of jointly hosting the event.
Vernon hosted the first BC Seniors Games in 1988 with 650 participants. Since then, the 55+ BC Games have grown in size and economic impact. The BC Seniors Games Society, estimates that this multi-sport event could bring in up to 4,000 athletes, friends and family to the Greater Vernon and Armstrong area with a projected economic impact of approximately $2.1 million.
“The potential economic impact of the 55+ BC Games is significantly higher than hosting other BC Games because participants are responsible for their own accommodations, meals and transportation,” said Doug Ross, Director of Recreation Services for the City of Vernon.
The Greater Vernon area has been unable to bid on the event in the past due to the lack of a certified running track. The 2017 55+ BC Games will be the 30th Anniversary of the event and with the new sports complex and running track nearing completion, bidding on the event is now possible. Although the focus would be on hosting the 2017 event it is recommended that the bid also be submitted for 2018 and 2019.