The cheers started early, for the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games.
The city’s backbone company, West Fraser Timber, called together the Games’ organizers to make a major contribution to their efforts. A number of athletes from past BC Winter Games came to the event, and had plenty to celebrate. West Fraser presented a contribution of $100,000 to the multi-sport mega championship coming to the territory in early 2024.
“West Fraser is pleased to announce that it is donating $100,000 to the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games to support the general cost of hosting the sporting event,” said a statement from West Fraser.
The 2024 BC Winter Games are expected to draw as many as 1,250 of the province’s top young athletes, supported by 600 coaches and officials. The participants will come from communities across the province to compete in 16 sports in venues around the Quesnel community and the surrounding Lhtako territory.
“West Fraser is thrilled to support the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games, which will bring young people together from across the province through sport and friendship, and in the spirit of reconciliation,” said Keith Carter, senior vice-president for Western Canada. “The Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games will be a wonderful cultural and community event that will have lasting benefits long after the Games conclude. We see our investment as a meaningful way to give back to the local community.”
The 2024 BC Winter Games are being co-hosted by the City of Quesnel and the Lhtako Dene Nation, marking the first time in the history of the BC Games that a city and First Nations community have been featured together in the official name of the Games. This partnership between the Games and Lhtako Dene Nation is in recognition of Lhtako Dene’s traditional territory, ways of life, and cultural presence in the region.
“We are thankful for West Fraser’s donation towards general hosting costs, supporting the athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers who participate. In particular, a portion of the funds will be directed to recognition of the many dedicated volunteers who will take on leadership roles for the Games,” said Brian Balkwill, president, Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games.
There to celebrate the announcement were (back row): Brian Balkwill (2024 Games president), Caleb Woolends (curling 2020), Brooklynn Novak (archery 2023), Noah Woolends (skiing 2018), Boroka Peter (skiing 2020), Petra Peter (skiing 2023), Ivy Sinkinson (ringette 2023), Avery Cassidy (ringette 2023), D’arcy Henderson (West Fraser vice-president), while kneeling were Laura Balkwill (biathlon 2020), Liv Boudreau (skiing 2023), Anna Maria Kadenbach (skiing 2023).
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