Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games begins Thursday
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Minus three Provincial Sport, the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games from February 22-25 is ready to light the torch Thursday at West Fraser Centre.
Earlier this month the BC Alpine Ski, Freestyle BC, and BC Snowboard made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Winter Games due to unfavourable snow conditions in the host community.
A lack of snowpack on the mountain at Troll Ski Resort and the absence of heavy snowfall in the forecast influenced the decision.
Mountain-based sports, already facing a difficult and shortened winter season, require significant snowpack and technical venue builds to run safe and meaningful competition.
Biathlon BC and Cross Country BC join the remaining sports to attend the Games regardless of snow conditions.
With more than 1200 participants expected to fill the stands and floor seating for Thursday’s Opening Ceremonies, limited tickets have been made available to visiting family of participants, but there are more ways to watch the opening ceremonies.
Anyone can watch the Opening Ceremony via live stream from the comfort of their own home. The livestream will be available on from a link on the Games website – bcwintergames.ca, via the Russell AV YouTube Channel, and broadcast live on the local Rogers channel.
The Opening Ceremony will be emceed by Global BC Reporter Jay Durant, and will feature performances by In Song, 12-year-old soloist Ethan Smith, Jingle Dancers, For the Love of Dance, and Gold Pan City Dance.
Correlieu Jazz Band will play a pre-show performance starting at 6:45 p.m. (also available via livestream).
“The Games are about more than the sport competitions,” said President of the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games, Brian Balkwill.
“The Opening Ceremony is an opportunity to share more of our community with the participants, welcoming them to the Lhtako Dene territory and Quesnel with amazing local talent. Whether you’re in the arena, at the viewing party, or watching from home, you’ll be in for a treat.”
The Games will proceed with representation from 13 sports, over 1,200 participants from around the province, and 1,350 host society volunteers in a celebration of community and sport from February 22-25, 2024.
