Skip to content

55+ Games will run in Coquitlam in September 2016

Event rescheduled to avoid conflict with Americas Masters Games in Vancouver in August
B.C. Senior Games in Burnaby in 2012
Seniors compete in a variety of swim races at the B.C. Senior Games in Burnaby in 2012.

The dates are changing but the 55+ BC Games will go ahead in Coquitlam next year.

Originally, the city planned to hold the event — previously known as the BC Seniors’ Games — in August but that would have meant an overlap with the Americas Masters Games, a similar event in Vancouver. With two games running at the same time, organizers were concerned about athlete and volunteer burnout.

Coquitlam’s games were in limbo until Monday, when council voted unanimously on a measure to reschedule the event, which will now run between Sept. 20 and 24.

While the time change creates a new set of issues the city will have to deal with, Coun. Craig Hodge, chair of the sports council, said the obstacles should be easy to overcome.

“We are going to have to make sure we have the same number of volunteers available and I think we will,” he said. “We are going to have to work with our partners in the community… and do a bit of juggling.”

One of the issues the city will have to grapple with centres around facility usage. Many fields and school gymnasiums are more likely to be occupied in September, which could create scheduling conflicts.

But Hodge believes that with a bit of co-ordination, the games could be better with the new schedule.

“I think it will be a great opportunity for kids in those schools to see events actually take place in those facilities,” he said. “Kids learn many of those sports in their early years and they will see first-hand that those are lifelong sports.”

He added that the weather is usually good in September and that by not holding the games in August, it will be easier for athletes to find hotels and accommodations in the area.

A call to Sharon Oates, an organizer with the games, was not returned by The Tri-City News’ print deadline.

Coquitlam won the bid to host the event in 2013 and is planning on making it one of the cornerstones of the city’s 125th anniversary celebrations next year. More than 3,500 athletes from across the province were expected to compete in 26 sports over the four-day competition, which the city estimated would generate $2 million in economic spinoffs.

Vancouver won the bid to host the inaugural Americas Masters Games in 2014. The event is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is expected to attract 7,500 athletes, 1,000 coaches and 2,000 volunteers. It is also expected to draw $6 million in corporate sponsorship.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com

@gmckennaTC