The torch is lit and flame is burning –

2016 BC Winter Games in Penticton have officially begun.

It was a sold-out crowd at the South Okanagan Events Centre, as over 1,700 athletes paraded in to Opening Ceremony music and cheering to kick off largest multi-sport winter event in the province. Four athletes carried the torch, Peter de la Mothe (Skiing – Alpine), Brayden Kuroda (Skiing – Freestyle), Anna Spence (Skiing – Freestyle) and Caitlyn Riddle (Karate). All are set to compete for the Thompson-Okanagan Zone 2 at the Games.

Penticton MLA Dan Ashton and Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit welcomed the crowd, in addition to Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger and elder Richard Armstrong. Penticton BC Winter Games President Bill Bidlake said he was blown away by the number of volunteers and how amazing they’ve been. “Penticton is professional. Penticton’s got game because of you,” he said.

The highlight from the evening came from Kristi Richards, two-time Olympian in freestyle skiing, who returned to her hometown of the South Okanagan to provide an inspiring message to the young athletes.