Thousands packed Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford this afternoon for the closing ceremony of the BC Summer Games, as they said goodbye to a four-day event that will remain in their minds for years to come.
PHOTOS: Sights from the 30th 2016 BC Summer Games
The games ended with the Vancouver Island-Central Coast zone finishing with the most medals (170), followed by Fraser Valley Zone 3 (144) and Fraser Valley Zone 4 (135).
But what matters more is the legacy the games will bring.
“It brings you joy to see that other people have met their goals and targets, and that by meeting their goals and targets, we’re providing a world-class experience that these kids are never going to forget,” said Steve Carlton, BC Summer Games President.
Already, 23 athletes from prior BC Games have been announced as part of Team Canada for next month’s 2016 Summer Olympics. And the mayor of Abbotsford says there’s a long-term benefit for the city as well.
“We’ve spent a little over $6 million on the artificial turf fields, and that’ll be a legacy. We’re ready to do this again somewhere in the future,” says Henry Braun.