For Immediate Release
Vernon, BC -- The Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games were officially opened Thursday with Premier Christy Clark lighting BC Winter Games cauldron and commending the assembled athletes for being positive role models to their peers.
Acknowledging the support the athletes receive from their parents and coaches, she also noted that "Canada's greatest athlete", Terry Fox, learned a lot from sport and went on to make a big difference in the world by raising money to find a cure for cancer.
"Terry Fox made a difference in the world in a very different way, outside the sporting world," said Clark. "He made that difference because of the things he learned in large part because of participating in sports."
"All of you are learning an important lesson. You are learning to be role models. You're learning to step up, with courage, with determination."
Olympic ski cross athlete and BC Games alumnae Julia Murray encouraged the athletes to meet as many of their fellow athletes as possible and to have fun with the experience. "I've learned so much and it all started with the BC Winter Games," she said.
Over 1,100 athletes will be participating in 15 sports at venues throughout Vernon over the next three days. With an average athlete age of just over 13 years, the BC Games are an important step for athletes towards provincial and national team programs. Joining the 1,149 athletes are 231 coaches and 160 technical officials.
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Attached Photo:
Caption: BC Premier Christy Clark high-fives athletes during the Opening Ceremony at the Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games
Photo Credit: John Willis
Photo may be used one time in connection with this release. For higher resolution contact
news@bcgames.org.
Media Contacts:
Jan Mansfield, BC Games News Service
Lia Threlfall, BC Games Society Communications Manager