The Mission Record Thursday, November 14, 2013 13
BusinessTRACK Mission Chamber of Commerce
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Mission 2014 BC Winter Games
Creating a community legacy
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n February 2014 the District of Mission will be hosting as many as 2,200 participants from across British Columbia as they arrive in our community to take part in the 27th BC Winter Games. This is the first time Mission has hosted a BC Games event and the community will rally over 2,500 volunteers in order to host athletes, coaches and officials. The Games, which will be held from February 20–23, 2014, will include participants in 18 sports. Most of the competitions will take place in Mission with some events in Hemlock, Whistler, the Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford. Local volunteers make the Games happen – they are the driving force and heart and soul of the BC Games. From meal preparation, to transportation, to hospitality, and sport competitions, the enthusiasm and expertise of volunteers is what makes it all happen. Members of the
community are encouraged to volunteer and contribute to making the Games a memorable experience for the participating athletes, coaches, and officials. Generally there is close to one volunteer for every Games participant so that means we need over 2,200 volunteers for preGames and Games-time roles. In addition to the many volunteers who will be onsite at various venues in February 2014, a number of volunteers work for up to two years in advance of the Opening Ceremony in order to ensure the Games are a success. A communitybased Board of Directors was elected in the spring of 2012 and has been working to plan the Games ever since. The Board is led by a President and Vice President and includes 14 Directorates, dividing the tasks into like-areas. Liaisons from various community organizations also join the Board to provide support to the Games. The Directors lead teams of Com-
mittee Chairs each responsible for specific aspects of planning and staging the Games. In all there are over 100 Chairs. Each volunteer Director and Chair is committed to ensure that the community comes together in a celebration of pride and that participants have an unforgettable experience. The BC Winter Games is a significant event for Mission and will have an estimated economic impact to our community of over $1.8 million. The Games are supported by provincial Corporate and Funding Partners but, the support of local businesses is key to the success of the Games. Businesses can become involved through the Friends of the Games program which has a range of contribution levels for both cash and gifts-in-kind. “One of our greatest expenses is food for the athletes.” states Friends of the Games Director, Grant Mottershead. “Contributions to provide healthy snacks
for athletes and volunteers are being sought. There are many other areas that local businesses can support, ranging from office equipment and supplies, decorations, and infrastructure needs.” Support the community of Mission and be part of making the Games an amazing experience for British Columbia’s young athletes. Your contribution will help make this an experience that will last a lifetime for participants – the Games can be a springboard for athletes, coaches, and officials as they move on to higher levels of competition, as well as providing a memorable experience for organizers and volunteers. You will also be helping to create a legacy in sport, recreation, and culture for the District of Mission. Contact the Friends of the Games Directorate to learn more about how you can support the Games at 778-879-0710 or FOG2014@bcwintergames.ca or visit us at www.bcwintergames.org.
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