Adam Spokes, a Special Olympics Athlete, practicing shotput.
Special Olympics Tourism

Tourism PG looking forward to big tourism boost from Special Olympics

Jun 25, 2025 | 5:59 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games will come to Prince George from July 10-12, and with it Tourism Prince George is looking forward to the positive tourism benefits it will bring to the city.

“We’re welcoming 1200 athletes from 46 different communities, so they will get to see our amazing sport venues, the support from our corporate side of the community, as well as our residents and the amazing volunteers. Just being able to showcase the great venues that we have for future hosting, this is a great start and a great opportunity,” said Tourism PG’s Director of Business and Destination Development Carmen Herman.

On top of the 1200 athletes, around 400 additional people are expected, as staff, coaches, and supporters, will also all be in the city. Herman says all the activity in the city could also mean great things for our local businesses, as increased foot traffic is a likely possibility, and with it potentially more sales for our local stores.

“It’ll be great to see them buzzing in downtown and looking into the great cafes, the great restaurants, the shops there, and just into other areas of our community as well,” Herman said.

Hosting large events like this also comes with a notable reputation boost, something Herman says is incredibly valuable for the future of the city and creating more opportunities. The City of Prince George is hoping to host the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, and the chance to show off our facilities and our community for the upcoming provincial games could help the City’s bid.

“Anytime that we can welcome first timers that have come to our community and see our venues and realize that they’re true competition style venues, then the spin off is what we like to see, so welcoming more opportunities and different sports and more competitions.

If you are interested in volunteering in the upcoming provincial games, you can visit Special Olympics BC’s website HERE. You can also phone the Special Olympics BC office if you’d like to volunteer at 604-785-9038, which is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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