The City of Kamloops has been named as the host city for the 2023 Special Olympics BC (SOBC) Winter Games.

The 2023 edition of the games for B.C. and Yukon athletes with intellectual disabilities will take place between Feb. 2 and 4 next year.

Over 500 athletes and 250 volunteer coaches and mission staff will descend upon the Tournament Capital to take part in eight sports – 5-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

“We’re thrilled to be returning to Provincial Games action, after a pandemic pause, and we’re beyond thrilled to be returning to Kamloops,” SOBC Vice President of Sport, Lois McNary, said.

“Canada’s Tournament Capital truly knows how to host exceptional sport experiences. Special Olympics BC athletes and volunteers cannot wait to come back together for Provincial Games. The joy surrounding these Games will be off the charts.”

As part of the Return to Sport safety protocols, the 2023 SOBC Winter Games will see all competitors and coaches staying in hotels instead of the previous school-based accommodations.

Top performers will qualify for the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, which is the qualifier for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Kamloops was the first-ever host city for the Special Olympics BC Games in 1986. It then went on to host the SOBC Summer Games in 2017 as well as SOBC Winter Games in 2003 and 2015 – making this the fifth time that Kamloops will have hosted either the SOBC Summer or Winter games.

“I am excited that the 2023 Special Olympics BC Provincial Winter Games are coming to Kamloops,” local athlete Joshua Trudell said, in a statement.

“It was an honour and fun to compete in the 2019 Provincial Winter Games in Vernon. I made new friends, challenged myself with my skills, and made fun memories. I hope that I get a chance to compete in the 2023 SOBC Winter Games when they are in my own hometown, so friends and family can come and cheer me on.”

Organizers say they will need more than 1,000 volunteers to help stage the 2023 SOBC Winter Games, with more details on volunteer registration and games venues to be announced in the weeks to come.