BC Summer Games open in Kelowna amid wildfire smoke warning

The 2026 BC Summer Games officially commenced in Kelowna, British Columbia, with the lighting of the torch and opening ceremonies on Thursday night. However, the event began under a haze of wildfire smoke, prompting an orange air quality warning from Environment Canada for the Central Okanagan region.

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It’s sunny, the smoke has lifted, the kids are competing, buses are back on schedule, food is working, everything is back to normal

Despite the health warnings, which advised vulnerable individuals to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, organizers decided to proceed with outdoor competitions on Friday. This decision was made after consulting with Environment Canada and closely monitoring air quality conditions. By Friday afternoon, skies had cleared, allowing competition to resume in full swing.

Alison Noble, president and CEO of the BC Games Society, stated that organizers would continue to assess conditions throughout the weekend to ensure athlete safety. "It’s sunny, the smoke has lifted, the kids are competing, buses are back on schedule, food is working, everything is back to normal," Noble said.

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I’m excited to come together with this team. I want to build together

Athletes expressed enthusiasm for the games. "I’m excited to come together with this team. I want to build together," said BC Softball athlete Sydney Langley. However, some parents, like Jessica Wiens of Port Moody, voiced surprise that full-day competitions were planned, though she noted coaches would monitor athletes closely. The games are underway, with organizers continuing to monitor smoke conditions.

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I was a little bit surprised about the idea that we will be playing a full, long day