by Bonnie Burnside
This summer (July 19-22), athletes in 21 sports will converge on Surrey to participate in the BC Summer Games. For many, it will be the start of a journey – from the BC Summer Games to the Western Canada Games to the Canada Games, and some will even make it to the Olympics. They will remember Surrey as the place where their journey started.
For some of the athletes, the BC Summer Games will be their only opportunity to participate in a multi-game event. But they, too, will remember their experiences at the BC Summer Games in Surrey for a lifetime.
Surrey has taken on the challenge of helping these young athletes create wonderful memories. And from the response we saw last Thursday evening at the torch-lighting ceremony at Bear Creek Park, our community is up to the challenge.
Students from Erma Stephenson and Maple Green elementaries, and Panorama Ridge, Frank Hurt, Kwantlen Park, Enver Creek and Princess Margaret secondaries literally blew the socks off the crowd with their energy and talent.
Volunteers from the 2812 Seaforth Cadets as well as the Leos Clubs from Kwantlen Park and Fraser Heights Secondary Schools were on hand to help, as were the North Surrey Lions Club, Roger Bose, Judy Lieu and the Phoenix Society “Red Shirt” Volunteers.
More than 30 athletes from 20 different sports helped Mayor Dianne Watts and Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave Hayer light the torch.
I personally want to thank all of the performers and volunteers for making the evening a great success. There are a few volunteers that I would really like to acknowledge – the chairs of the Ceremonies Directorate: Tracey Gravel, Cyndy Hill, Graham Newberry and Al Roberts – they worked tirelessly for many hours to make the event happen. It also wouldn’t have happened without the great staff from the City of Surrey, especially Dan Nielson.
The general public can be involved as well. As the athletes compete, make friends and create memories, so will our volunteers. This is a great opportunity for Surrey residents to get involved and participate in this special event.
I encourage everyone to go online and sign up today at www.2012bcsummergames.ca
We’re Game!
Bonnie Burnside is the Director of Ceremonies for the 2012 BC Summer Games.