BC Summer Games 2014 officially begin in Nanaimo

VANCOUVER – Thousands of spectators gathered in Nanaimo on Thursday night to officially open the 2014 BC Summer Games.

Global BC’s Steve Darling was the emcee for the event and Olympic Gold Medalist Simon Whitfield took the stage to give the athletes some advice.

“Don’t try and get rid of those butterflies, just get them to fly in formation,” he said.

WATCH: Steve Darling on location:

More than 2,400 athletes will be competing at 19 different sports in venues across Nanaimo, Duncan and Parksville over the next three days.

Aside from the athletes, more than 3,000 community volunteers are also lending a hand.

For more information visit www.bcgames.org.