2026 proclaimed as Year of Sport in Kelowna

As the City prepares to welcome multiple major sporting events in the coming months, Mayor Dyas has officially proclaimed 2026 as Year of Sport in Kelowna.

 “Proclaiming 2026 as the Year of Sport is an invitation for residents to take part, whether that means cheering from the stands, volunteering, welcoming visitors, or getting involved in events across our city. With Kelowna hosting major sporting events throughout the year, we will be on the provincial and national stage, showcasing the energy, hospitality, and community spirit that define Kelowna. These events give us an opportunity to bring people together, support our local economy, and highlight the very best of Kelowna to visitors from across Canada,” says Mayor Tom Dyas.

Today’s Year of Sport proclamation reflects the major sporting events coming to Kelowna, beginning with Memorial Cup later this month, Kelowna HOOPFEST and Touchdown Kelowna in June, BC Summer Games in July and Skate Canada International in October. Combined with the hundreds of other tournaments, races and sporting events the city hosts annually, these events are expected to generate over $150 million in total economic impact.

“Beyond the economic impact, these events help strengthen community pride and volunteerism, enhance Kelowna’s reputation as an active and welcoming destination, and leaves a lasting legacy of improved facilities, event expertise and partnerships long after the final whistle,” says Doug Nicholas, Sport and Event Services Manager for the City of Kelowna.

Residents can celebrate Year of Sport by attending upcoming sporting events, volunteering, welcoming visitors, and by taking part in community festivals and celebrations being planned in support of these major sporting events.

The City is also inviting residents to reflect on the power of sport and recreation in everyday life - from physical and mental health benefits to social connection and belonging. Whether it’s registering for a recreation program, joining a sport league, trying a new activity, or making a personal commitment to spend more time outdoors, Year of Sport is a call to action to move, play, and participate.

Year of Sport aligns with the City’s Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative, which is investing in key community, sport and wellness projects to support our active and growing city. With major projects like the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre and new activity centres in Rutland, Mission and Glenmore, we continue to build the spaces and opportunities that help residents of all ages stay active, connected and engaged in community life.

Learn more about Year of Sport and the major sporting events coming soon at kelowna.ca/yearofsport.

Image description: Members of Kelowna City Council with Year of Sport proclamation. From left to right: Jim Gabriel, Councillor Dehart, Councillor Lovegrove, Mayor Dyas, Councillor Woolridge, Councillor Webber, Councillor Singh and Councillor Stack.