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Athletes get set for opening of BC Summer Games

Thousands receive accreditation prior to opening ceremonies Thursday evening.
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Thousands of athletes visited the participant accreditation centre at Tradex Thursday in advance of the 2016 BC Summer Games.





Excitement was in the air at Tradex Thursday morning as thousands of athletes moved through the 2016 BC Summer Games’ participant accreditation centre in advance of opening ceremonies later that night.

Competition in the massive event is slated to start first thing Friday morning, with more than 3,000 athletes taking part in 18 different sports at sites around Abbotsford and beyond. The athletes are supported by 473 coaches, 289 officials and thousands of volunteers.

Athletes began arriving on charter flights Wednesday evening and by bus throughout the day Thursday. Others arrived on their own.

All made a first stop at the accreditation centre in Abbotsford, where they received T-shirts, food and other vitals before embarking to their accommodations or to their respective venues, where practice was taking place throughout the day.

Athletes spoke both of their excitement to compete against the best in the province in their respective sports, and of being able to meet new people.

Burnaby synchronized swimmer Sasha Nixon said she was looking forward to “Hanging out with the team and getting that experience.”

Opening ceremonies took place after press time Friday, with action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Medals will be handed out both on Saturday and Sunday.

Sports include: athletics, baseball, basketball, three on three basketball, canoe/kayak, equestrian, golf, lacrosse-box, lacrosse-field, rowing, rugby, sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, synchronized swimming, towed water sports, triathlon, volleyball beach, volleyball and wrestling

The closing ceremony occurs on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Rotary Stadium. Grandstand seating is limited, but those interested are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating in designated areas.

Visit abbynews.com/sports for ongoing coverage of everything associated with the Games.