Bid fails

Special Olympics Canada takes a pass on Prince George

Jun 2, 2026 | 12:58 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George will not be the host city for the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.

Special Olympics Canada say they are reopening the bidding process in search of a community outside of British Columbia, due to Kelowna being awarded the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games and their intention on avoiding hosting back to back events in one province.

The City of Prince George calls the decision both frustrating and disappointing but notes it is now shifting its focus to possibly hosting other national and international events.

“Our local committee put together a 10/10 bid package and site tour, with a tremendous community effort that included Special Olympic athletes, coaches, community leaders, businesses, UNBC and City staff and many others,” said Andy Beesley, Director of Civic Facilities & Events.

“Our strong belief is that we did not in fact lose the bid. The goalposts were changed after we knocked it out of the ballpark in terms of the quality of our bid package and the truly remarkable site visits we provided.  Prince George has a proud history of hosting world class events and we remain confident that these games would have been no different. 

“While the national organizations unexpected decision to no longer consider British Columbia for the 2030 Games is both frustrating and disappointing, we are now shifting our focus to other national and international events that we will be excited to bring to Prince George. It’s not all bad news: $500,000 that was being held in the Major Events Reserve Fund pending the success of the bid is now available for staff to immediately start bidding on other exciting opportunities.”