If you are one of the many competitors planning to participate in the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games next February be advised you will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The BC Games Society Board of Directors announced last month the proof of vaccination requirement is to help 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 BC Games Society Board of Directors. “We look forward to providing a safe environment as we return to staging these provincial sport events.”
The proof of full vaccination requirement will apply to all accredited BC Games participants, volunteers, and guests. There are no exceptions. Full vaccination means 14 days after receiving a second dose. A negative COVID-19 test is not a substitute for proof of full vaccination.
At the time of this writing the BC Games Society stated they were optimistic youth under the age of 12 would be able to receive a Health Canada-approved vaccine in the near future, which would allow the young athletes in this age category to be fully vaccinated and eligible to participate in the Games.
The BC Games Society and the host society will also work in partnership with Games venue owners to align vaccination policies for contractors working within the venues.
“We recognize this is a new measure for all participants of the BC Winter Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we need to adjust our policies to make sure the Games are safe for everyone.”
In addition to the proof of full vaccination requirement, robust safety measures will be in place in terms of operational modifications, mask wearing, sanitizing and physical distancing for all participants. Policies for spectators and accredited guests are being developed in terms of venue capacity, however the proof of full vaccination requirement extends to these individuals as well.
The 2022 BC Winter Games are scheduled for Feb. 24 to 27, 2022. As many as 2,000 volunteers will be needed for the Games, with 1,800 athletes, coaches, and officials from communities across B.C. expected to attend.
This will be the first BC Winter Games to be held since the pandemic began.
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