The dust has settled on another BC Summer Games, and as quickly as they descended on Maple Ridge, thousands of athletes from across the province have returned home.
And vice president of the 2024 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games couldn't be prouder of how volunteers and local businesses pulled together to support the games.
"My heart is full and overflowing," said Ernie Daykin Monday morning, reflecting over this past weekend when about 3,000 athletes blew into the city to compete in everything from swimming, ultimate, softball, soccer, track and field, beach volleyball, and more.
"Maple Ridge residents, and other communities, stepped up in a huge way and needed what was ever required to make sure the events came off and meals were served. And without a complaint and with a smile," he said. "The support from the city of Maple Ridge, various sports organizations and the BC Games folks went a long way and key to ensuring 'Games' were so successful."
Daykin noted the focus of the Games was the athletes and their competitions, and, as he watched the different events and the excitement and joy on kids' faces or presenting medals to the successful competitors or the young basketball player weeping in her dads arms because they fell a bit short, it was confirmation to him that all the hard work hosting and organizing the games was so worth it.
However, he said, even though it was a lot work, team work is key.
"Scheduling meals, transportation, competition for over 3000 participants and then medal presentations spread over 21 sites was huge. Then being flexible and able to pivot and adjust because a game went late or a team is late for the bus," said Daykin, noting the importance of holding meetings early on in the planning process.
Alison Noble, president and CEO of the BC Games Society was impressed with the Maple Ridge event.
"Volunteers in Maple Ridge worked tirelessly to put on events and competitions that will make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants," she said.
Noble noted that the BC Summer Games are a large undertaking with many moving parts, and as a result they present similar challenges for all host societies when it comes to feeding, transporting, and accommodating thousands of participants. What defines host societies, she said, is the ways that they come together to respond to these challenges.
"And volunteers in Maple Ridge stepped up to the plate to help make these Games successful."
Noble was really impressed with the images that came out of the Games, saying that future host societies will be able to see the joy and excitement on the faces of the athletes and look forward to experiencing that when the Games come to their town.
The BC Summer Games will be heading to Kelowna next and Daykin's advice to their organizing team is to get started early in the process.
"Have your board of directors in place and meet early. While the games seem a long way away they come so quickly," he said.
He also advised to read the task lists and binders, everything you need to know is in there, he said. And, he added, trust your fellow directors , and be prepared to do anything, from setting up tables or taking out garbage, to presenting medals.
But most important, he said, is to have fun.
"Get out an enjoy and watch the competitions.....make time to see the kids in action," finished Daykin.
