Premier Gordon Campbell helped light the torch to officially open the 2008 BC Winter Games today.

"For the past 30 years, the BC Winter Games have provided a venue to showcase the talents of British Columbia's best young athletes," said Campbell. "They've also provided an opportunity to showcase our communities. This year's games will reflect the tremendous community spirit and pride of co-hosts Cranbrook and Kimberley."

The 2008 BC Winter Games run Feb. 21-24 and will see 1,449 athletes from throughout British Columbia, averaging in age from 13-15 years old, compete at 19 sporting venues in Kimberley and Cranbrook. More than 2,800 community volunteers will help make the games a success.

Athletes will compete in 27 sports, including archery, badminton, basketball-wheelchair, biathlon, boxing, curling, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, judo, karate, rhythmic gymnastics, speed skating, skiing, ringette, squash and table tennis.

"Competitions like the BC Winter Games give a chance for our athletes to gain experience and hone their skills in preparation for higher levels of competition," said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen.

"The young athletes competing here in Cranbrook and Kimberley remind us of what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and perseverance."

"I am very proud of the residents of Kimberley and Cranbrook and all the volunteers whose hard work will make this the best BC Winter Games ever," said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett.

The BC Winter Games provide an opportunity for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition in a multi-sport event that promotes interest and participation in sport and sporting activities, individual achievement, and community development.

SOURCE:
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts
PREMIER HELPS KICK OFF 2008 BC WINTER GAMES -CRANBROOK, Feb. 21