Photo courtesy of the B.C. Games Society

By Liam Verster

Feb. 24-27, 2022

Proof of vaccination will be required for Greater Vernon 2022 B.C. Winter Games

Oct 22, 2021 | 11:43 AM

VERNON B.C. – Visitors, volunteers and participants in the Greater Vernon 2022 B.C. Winter Games will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

The B.C. Games Society Board of Directors announced the requirement Friday, stating that it will maximize the safety of athletes, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers and spectators.

“As this multisport event will attract people from every region of the province, we must take appropriate actions and precautions to help minimize the health risks for all participants,” said Jamey Paterson, Chair of the B.C. Games Society Board of Directors.

“We look forward to providing a safe environment as we return to staging these provincial sport events.”

B.C. Games stated that as the vaccinations have been approved by Health Canada and are available for everyone aged 12 and over, the proof of vaccination requirement will apply to all accredited B.C. Games participants, volunteers and guests, and that no exceptions will be granted and a negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted as a substitute. It also notes that full vaccination means 14 days after receiving a second dose.

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The society also said that it’s optimistic vaccines will be available to youth under the age of 12 soon, which will allow athletes in that age category to be fully vaccinated and eligible to participate in the Games. Alison Noble, President and CEO of the B.C. Games Society, told Vernon Matters that as it’s expected that vaccines will be available for youth age five to 11 before the games are scheduled to go, unvaccinated youth in that category will not be allowed at venues as spectators. The B.C. Games Society is actively working with public health officials to determine rules relating to children under the age of five.

In addition to the proof of vaccination, other safety measures will be in place including mandatory mask wearing, sanitizing and physical distancing for all participants. Policies relating to capacity for spectators and guests are still being developed.

Work is ongoing between the B.C. Games Society, the host society, the provincial and local public health officials, and the host venue to ensure that COVID-19 safety protocols are in place for the event set for next Feb. 24-27.

“We recognize this is a new measure for all participants of the BC Winter Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the B.C. Games Society. “But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we need to adjust our policies to make sure the Games are safe for everyone.”

The event will be the first Winter Games held since the onset of the pandemic.

The B.C. Games Society estimates as many as 1,800 athletes, coaches and officials from across B.C. will be participating in the Games, and approximately 2,000 volunteers will be needed in order to run the event successfully.