The Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games officially opened on Thursday evening, July 18, with more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials marching into a stadium created at the Albion sports fields.

There were at least that many parents and others attending in a huge crowd of onlookers surrounding the stage. The athletes marched in to loud cheers, all wearing the colours of their zones on t-shirts, hats, sunglasses and even some pom-poms.

"Give yourselves a huge round of applause for the months of work, dedication and training," said Global B.C.'s Safeeya Pirani to the athletes, who needed little prompting to make themselves heard.

The entertainment included 120 local dancers and contortionists who brought a show with big energy that fit the moment, as well as a performance by local musical talents in singer Georgia Cardinal accompanied by the guitarist Francis Henson, and other entertainment.

The Katzie First Nation brought in the Games torch, dancing, singing and drumming as they proceeded through a path through the athletes and up to the stage, where the Games cauldron was lit, and the Games officially began.

The 2024 BC Summer Games are being held between Wednesday and Sunday, July 17 to 21, in Maple Ridge. This is the third time in the Games history that Maple Ridge has been the host. This week, an estimated 2,400 athletes (average age is 14 to 15), plus some 500 coaches and officials are here for the competitions being held at sports venues throughout the community and region.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Games at www.mapleridgenews.com.