Richmond Selected to Host the 2009 BC Seniors Games
12 December 2007Richmond-Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services, announced today that Richmond has been awarded the 2009 BC Seniors Games to be held September 16-19.
"The community of Richmond has a rich volunteer base," said the Minister. "They will put out the red carpet for the BC Seniors in 2009, guaranteeing that all the participants will have a great time during their stay in Richmond."
Sports Council prepared the bid on behalf of the City of Richmond and is proud that the BC Seniors Games Society has entrusted this major event to the city.
"I'm excited and honoured that Richmond has the opportunity to host the BC Seniors Games," said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. "Our community has a made a commitment to supporting active, healthy lifestyles; what better way to demonstrate this, than to host the 3,500 exceptional role models from allover BC."
Councillor Bill McNulty, the City's liaison to Sports Council, adds that: "Richmond has excellent facilities, committed volunteers and a rich history of hosting first-class sports events. Richmond stands ready to welcome 3,500 seniors athletes to our city."
June Parsons, BC Seniors Games Society President congratulated Richmond on their successful bid. "The first step towards successful Games is a host community filled with exuberance and dedication to showcase their community to the thousands of 55+ BC Seniors. We are looking forward to your community's involvement in staging a memorable set of Games."
Jim Lamond, Sports Council Chair promises: "These will be best Seniors Games ever. These games will bring together the efforts and talents from our sports community, our seniors groups and our multi-cultural community, and will be organized "by seniors for seniors".
"The Seniors Games will showcase the new Richmond Olympic Oval. We invite all seniors athletes in BC to come and be our guests and experience the excitement of competing in a 2010 Venue City".
The BC Seniors Games provide an opportunity for participants 55 years and older to compete in an organized sporting event. The Games help promote active, healthy lifestyles, and encourage individual achievements and community pride.
A key objective of the Seniors Games is to increase awareness of activity and wellness among our seniors. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie notes: "As Canada's healthiest city, Richmond epitomizes the Seniors Games objectives of seniors' health and wellness".
Over 3,500 BC Seniors will compete in 26 sporting events over three or four days' competition. The 2009 BC Seniors Games will be organized by a 15 member volunteer Board of Directors and over 1,200 volunteers.
