The selection of games and sports has been announced for the 55-Plus B.C. Games set for Nanaimo next summer.
The 55-Plus B.C. Games, which will take place in the Harbour City from Sept. 9-13, will feature archery, badminton, bocce, five-pin bowling, carpet bowling, cribbage, curling, cycling, darts, disc golf, eight-ball, equestrian, five-pin bowling, golf, hockey, horseshoes, lawn bowling, mountain bike racing, pickleball, slo-pitch, snooker, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field.
Competitors aged 55 years and older wanting to participate in the games in Nanaimo can do so beginning March 1. The games are expected to attract more than 2,500 athletes.
The city will be ready for September, said Diana Johnstone, organizing committee president, in the press release, noting that director of sport Liz Williams and her team have found "pristine venues" for hosting the various sports and games. Following the closure of Brechin Lanes earlier this year, five-pin bowling will take place at Duncan Lanes Bowling Centre, said Diane Murphy, B.C. Seniors Games Society president, in an e-mail to News Bulletin.
"We invite you to 'gather here and get in the games' in September for an amazing week of sport and entertainment,” Johnstone said.
Spencer Chandra Herbet, B.C. minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, said the games will be beneficial for athletes.
"Sport plays a powerful role in helping people lead thriving and healthy lives," Chandra Herbert said in the press release. "This year’s 55-Plus B.C. Games offers an incredible range of competitions and will feature athletes at the top of their game."
The B.C. Seniors Games Society said it appears things are coming together for the 2025 host city.
"The [society] is grateful for the enthusiasm of [Nanaimo] as well as all of the volunteers, sponsors and supporters within the community and surrounding areas who are working together to focus on making the 55-Plus B.C. Games in Nanaimo a fantastic experience for everyone," said Murphy in the press release.
The B.C. Seniors Games Society presents the 55-Plus B.C. Games at different cities across the province on a yearly basis, noted the press release, with Nanaimo following Salmon Arm as the host city. The games are considered the biggest annual multi-sport gathering event in the province.
At least 1,200 volunteers are needed, according to the press release, and for more information and to volunteer, visit .