Countdown to the BC Summer Games is on, as dozens of volunteers, politicians, and locals gathered at Memorial Peace Park Saturday to watch the torchlighting ceremony.
This event marked the fact that the Games are now only 82 days away, with countless volunteers already hard at work to try and prepare for the momentous sporting event.
Games board president Laura Butler said that the ceremony had a very special meaning, and she was so happy to see so many people show up to the event despite the poor weather.
@tiktokwithtucker The torch is lit and the Games are almost here! #bcsummergames #mapleridge #summergames #sportstiktok #sportstok ♬ original sound - TheRealTucker
“The lighting of the torch symbolizes the fire of commitment and dedication that these athletes, who will be competing here this summer,” said Butler.
“These athletes from all across B.C. will have worked hard to get here, spending countless hours training and giving up time and other activities. The same commitment and dedication can be said of our volunteer directors and chair.”
In total, the Games are expected to require the help of as many as 2,500 volunteers, with Butler and other speakers putting out calls for more people to sign up, even if it’s just for a couple of short shifts, to help the event run smoothly.
READ ALSO: Volunteers needed for Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Lisa Beare said that she was so happy to be able to bring the BC Summer Games back to Maple Ridge after the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of the 2020 Games, which were set to be hosted in Maple Ridge.
“We as a government know how important sport is to community,” said Beare. “How important sport is to youth, to mental health, and to physical fitness.”
A total of 3,700 athletes will be descending upon the city this summer, with 2,100 medals being awarded across 24 different sports.
A handful of athletes were even present at the torchlighting ceremony, with a few of the local competitors from the 2024 BC Winter Games getting to help light the giant torch in Memorial Peace Park.
Among them were artistic gymnastics silver medalist Payton Coleman, snowboarder Elijah Brent Dela Paz, speedskater Dominic Boyer, and curling bronze medalist Julie Andrews – all who helped carry the torch at the April 27 event.
READ MORE: Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows athletes medal at BC Games
“Although this torch will not physically remain burning until the Games, the fire and the determination that it represents will still stay with us, burning brightly and fiercely in our hearts,” said Butler.
The BC Summer Games will take place throughout the city from July 18 to 21.