The city of Kelowna has been named co-host of the 2027 Special Olympics British Columbia Winter Games, with snow‑sport competitions scheduled at Big White Ski Resort and the Telemark Nordic Club.
Three days of snow sports planned in February
Alpine skiing, cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing will take place from Feb. 5 to 7, 2027 in Kelowna. Ice and floor sports — including figure skating, floorball, speed skating, curling and five‑pin bowling — are set for Richmond from March 26 to 28.
The provincial event will act as the B.C. and Yukon qualifier for the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, which are also scheduled to be held in Kelowna. The dual role of host and qualifier highlights the city’s continuing involvement in adaptive sport at both regional and national levels.
Volunteer demand and local significance
Organizers say the Games will require a substantial volunteer workforce. Across both host communities — Kelowna and Richmond — about 1,000 volunteers will be needed to stage the competitions and support athletes, officials and spectators.
- Locations: Big White Ski Resort; Telemark Nordic Club.
- Snow‑sport dates: Feb. 5–7, 2027 (Kelowna).
- Other sports/host: Richmond, March 26–28, 2027.
Special Olympics British Columbia emphasised the opportunity the Games provide to highlight athletic achievement among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organisation pointed to the benefit of staging events in two communities to broaden local engagement and visibility.
“The 2027 Special Olympics BC Winter Games offer a powerful opportunity to showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in two passionate host communities.”
New and returning elements
Floorball is set to make its provincial Games debut in 2027, expanding the range of competitive opportunities. The announcement also notes that this will be the fourth time each city has hosted a Special Olympics BC Games or championship event, underscoring a history of regional involvement in the movement.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Snow sports host | Kelowna (Big White, Telemark) |
| Snow sports dates | Feb. 5–7, 2027 |
| Ice & floor sports host | Richmond |
| Ice & floor dates | March 26–28, 2027 |
For Kelowna, the Games pose practical and civic considerations: coordinating local venues and volunteer recruitment, ensuring accessible facilities at competition sites, and capitalising on the visibility that accompanies a provincial qualifier for national competition. Residents and organisations keen to support the event should anticipate calls for volunteers and potential community partnerships as planning proceeds.
