This fall, local volunteers will be invited to step up and help make the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
From meal preparation and transportation to hospitality and sporting competitions, the enthusiasm and expertise of volunteers will be vital to the success of the Games, set to take place in Trail and Rossland from Feb. 25 to March 1, 2026.
With over 1,600 volunteers needed to stage the event, the Games are projected to inject up to $1.6 million into the local economy.
This announcement came on Jan. 23, when the Trail-Rossland board of directors confirmed the event dates.
“Registration for general volunteers will open in the fall of 2025,” the board shared.
The BC Winter Games bring together the province’s top young athletes, supported by certified coaches and officials.
The 2026 Games will welcome up to 1,200 athletes and 600 coaches and officials, competing in 15 different sports.
Festivities will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 26, followed by four days of exhilarating competition, culminating on Sunday, March 1.
“Trail is incredibly excited to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games,” said Trail Mayor Colleen Jones. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our region’s passion for sport, showcase our breathtaking mountain environment, and welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers to our world-class facilities.”
Venues for sporting events and special activities will be announced as details are finalized.
“Rossland is proud to co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games,” added Rossland Mayor Andy Morel. “This event not only will bring together the province’s top youth athletes but also provide a platform to showcase our vibrant communities and celebrate the spirit of sport.”
For more information, the complete Sport Package is available at bcgames.org.
Also announced this week was the newly appointed board of directors for the Trail-Rossland 2026 Games.
The board was selected by a nominating committee led by the mayors of Trail and Rossland.
President Brian Stefani and Vice-President Barb Stanley will lead the Games, supported by 14 additional community leaders, each overseeing a specific portfolio.
“Barb and I are honoured to lead this talented group of directors, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their portfolios,” said Stefani.
Currently, the directors are focused on recruiting volunteers to fill 80 chair positions, each responsible for leading a specific area of Games planning.
"Together, we’re excited to begin this journey and deliver an exceptional event," added Stefani.
The board members include:
• Ian Craib, Director of Access Control
• Catherine Zaitsoff, Director of Accommodation
• Bronwyn Barter, Director of Administration
• Naomi Bain, Director of Ceremonies and Special Events
• Wendy Robertson, Director of Food Services
• Erika Krest, Director of Friends of the Games
• Alina Konevski, Director of Logistics
• Andras Lukacs, Director of Marketing
• Ian Sibbald, Director of Medical Services
• Betty Anne Marino, Director of Participant and Volunteer Services
• Cassidy Favaro, Director of Protocol
• James Brotherhood, Director of Sport
• Frank Conradie, Director of Technology
• Robyn Stephenson, Director of Transportation
The board will work closely with the BC Games Society throughout the planning process.
“Trail and Rossland have a remarkable legacy of hosting sporting events and fostering volunteerism,” said Alison Noble, BC Games Society president and CEO.
“Games participants can expect exceptional support from experienced volunteers and the opportunity to compete in world-class facilities. The entire B.C. sport community is looking forward to February 2026 with great excitement.”
BC Games history
The BC Games were envisioned by Premier W.R. Bennett, who sought to provide “an opportunity to bring all parts of BC together, large and small communities, in the spirit of sport and friendship.”
His vision laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of excellence in sport and community building, which continues to thrive today.
Established in 1977 by the Provincial Government under the Societies Act, the BC Summer and Winter Games Society was initially mandated to create opportunities for British Columbians to compete in an organized sports festival.
These festivals aimed to promote physical fitness, individual achievement, and community pride. The inaugural BC Summer Games were held in Penticton in 1978, followed by the first BC Winter Games in Kamloops the following year.
In 1994, the organization, now known as the BC Games Society, shifted its focus.
No longer solely participation-based, the Games became a cornerstone of athlete and sport development in the province, advancing their role in fostering excellence across B.C.
