More than 1,000 people attended the opening ceremonies for the Games and many braved the wind and cold temperatures throughout the evening to witness the event.
The ceremony began at 7 p.m. with drumming from the Leq'a:mel First Nations who led the dignitaries and other VIPs onto the stage. Global Television's Steve Darling emceed the event and energized the audience by reminding the crowd of the gold medals won in Sochi earlier today by the women's hockey team and curling team.
"The athletes at the B.C. Games are the best young developing athletes this province has to offer," said Darling. "The B.C. Games are an important stepping stone for athletes, coaches and officials to move on to higher levels of competition, like national teams, Canada Games, and eventually the Olympic and Paralympic Games."
More than 1,300 athletes from across the province are in Mission for the Games, which run from Feb. 20-23 at various locations. Competitors will be going for gold in one of 18 sports.
Check Missioncityrecord.com for regular updates throughout the Games weekend.