Kamloops 55+ BC Games wrap after five days of competition

The Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games ended Sept. 12 after drawing more than 3,000 participants, 900 volunteers and an estimated $3 million in regional economic activity. The event now passes to Surrey, which will host the next Games in 2027.

Why it matters: - The Games brought a large number of older adult athletes, volunteers and visitors to Kamloops for five days. - The event filled hotels, restaurants and venues across the city and surrounding region. - The Games are BC’s largest annual multi-sport event for participants aged 55 and older. - The next host, Surrey, will carry the event into 2027.

What happened: - The Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games closed on Sept. 12 after competition held Sept. 8 to 12 in Kamloops, British Columbia. - More than 3,000 participants took part in 24 sports and activities. - More than 1,400 medals were awarded across singles, doubles and team formats. - More than 900 volunteers helped run the Games. - Kamloops hosted the Games for the third time, after previous editions in 1996 and 2013.

The details: - The Host Society estimated the Games generated $3 million in economic impact for the Kamloops region. - Activity was centered at venues including Tournament Capital Centre and Riverside Park. - The Kamloops 2026 55+ BC Games Host Society said the community’s volunteer support and participation helped make the event possible. - BC Seniors Games Society President Diane Murphy said Kamloops delivered strong organization, community support and facilities for participants. - Murphy also pointed to the Opening Ceremonies and participant dance as standout events. - The Host Society thanked sponsors including Podium Partners Tourism Kamloops, Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund, Doane Grant Thornton, Chartwell, Rocky Mountaineer and National Bank. - A 50/50 draw during Games week raised $7,820, split evenly between the Kamloops 2026 Host Society and the BC Seniors Games Society. - Photo galleries and highlights are available at 55plusbcgames.org.

Between the lines: - The Games gave Kamloops another chance to showcase its ability to host a province-wide multi-sport event. - Strong volunteer turnout and sponsor backing appear to have been central to the event’s scale and smooth operation. - The estimated economic impact suggests the Games delivered a short-term boost to the local visitor economy.

What's next: - Surrey is scheduled to host the next 55+ BC Games from Sept. 14 to 18, 2027. - Organizers will likely use Kamloops as a benchmark for volunteer support, facilities and community engagement. - The BC Seniors Games Society will continue preparing the provincial event as it shifts to the next host community.

The bottom line: - Kamloops delivered a well-attended, volunteer-driven Games that mixed sport, tourism and local economic benefits over five days.