Sam Dooley, a freestyle skier from Coldstream, secured three silver medals and one bronze at the BC Winter Games in Trail-Rossland. The event, held from February 25 to March 1, 2026, featured strong performances from North Okanagan athletes overall. Dooley's achievements highlight the region's success in winter sports.
The 33rd BC Winter Games took place in Trail-Rossland from February 25 to March 1, 2026, marking the fourth time the event has been hosted in the area. Sam Dooley, a freestyle skier from Coldstream, delivered an outstanding performance, earning silver medals in the combined, combined park, and big air events, along with a bronze in the rail jam event.
North Okanagan athletes collectively won 13 medals during the four-day competition. The standout individual result came from Vernon's Adam Mizuyabu, who claimed gold in judo. Other notable achievements included silvers in curling for Bryce Dunbar and Kaydn Dunbar from Vernon, and a silver in giant slalom alpine skiing for Leila Nasipayko-Shippam, also from Vernon.
A detailed breakdown of results by city shows broad participation:
- Armstrong: Emily Harvey earned bronze in judo Nage No Kata; Jordyn Torrens placed fifth in ringette.
- Coldstream: In addition to Dooley's medals, Luxe Cusack won silver in rhythmic gymnastics ball; Fergus Hayes took silver in freestyle skiing rail jam; Nolan Labelle earned bronze in judo; Kieran Terleski won bronze in freestyle skiing moguls.
- Lumby: Annabella Weselak placed fourth in rhythmic gymnastics choice.
- Spallumcheen: Madison Hodkinson finished fourth in ringette; Mariah Veldhuisen placed fourth in rhythmic gymnastics free and all-around.
- Vernon: Leo Markson won bronze in biathlon sprint; Emilyn Pohl earned bronze in judo Nage No Kata; multiple athletes achieved top placements in rhythmic gymnastics, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing.
This event follows Greater Vernon's hosting of the 2022 BC Winter Games, delayed to 2023 due to the pandemic.
