The Abbotsford 2016 BC Summer Games are officially open.
Thousands jammed into the Abbotsford Centre on Thursday to celebrate the arrival of the Games, with athletes from all over British Columbia representing their respective zones.
Global's Squire Barnes was the host of the event, and other featured speakers included MLA Peter Fassbender and Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun.
Following speeches from dignitaries, athletes from all the zones entered the arena to applause. Several dance performances followed, and the night concluded with the official lighting of the BC Games torch to open the Games.
Competition kicks off on Friday morning at a number of venues across Abbotsford, Langley and Harrison Hot Springs.
For more photos from the event, visit the Abbotsford News on Facebook and Flickr.
Continue to visit the Abbotsford News for ongoing coverage of the Games.