City exploring bid to host national Special Olympics

The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games could be a step towards something bigger for the City of Prince George

At the Monday, Dec. 16 city council meeting, administration is proposing that Prince George issue a letter of intent stating it wants to bid for either the Canada-wide summer Special Olympics Winter Games in 2028 or the Winter Games in 2030

A staff report attached to the agenda for the meeting said that a letter of intent must be received by Special Olympics Canada by Dec. 20.

“The letter of intent will provide us with an opportunity to connect with Special Olympics Canada to determine if it is the right opportunity for our community and provide us with any necessary assistance in preparation for the bid,” the report said.

A 10-year sport tourism strategy was approved by city council in 2017. It set the goal for Prince George to host the BC Special Olympic Games as preparation for eventually hosting the national iteration.

Staff said they believe that hosting either the 2028 or 2030 games would help enhance Prince George’s reputation as “a premier sport tourism destination while contributing to the social health and wellbeing of our community.”

The 2025 provincial games start with opening ceremonies at the CN Centre on Thursday, July 10. The sporting events will take place on July 11 and 12.

The athletes-only closing ceremony is on July 12 before the competitors return home the next day. On July 13, there will be a volunteer appreciation fair at the Canada Games Plaza.

The Dec. 16 city council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor of Prince George City Hall.

With files from Matthew Hillier