Kelowna's Juicy Tips

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Next week, we will be welcoming close to 1000 visitors to Kelowna. They are coming from 39 cities in 14 countries world-wide to participate in the International Children’s Winter Games, January 26 through 31. All the sporting events are free and open to the public, so here are some highlights you can take in while the Games are on…

Speed Skaters will race for gold in Kelowna

To make it all happen, 800 local volunteers have signed up their time to make these athletes aged 12 through 15 and their coaches and families feel welcome. About 100 local families have opened their doors as billet families for these international guests. In short, the table is set, the candles are lit, the music is playing, and we are ready to welcome our guests, Kelowna.

Look at them go! Cheer them on in Kelowna this January.

Everyone will be arriving on January 26, getting oriented, and meeting with Olympian Emily Brydon in an organized orientation at the Delta Grand, open only to athletes. The public Opening Ceremonies are on January 27 at Prospera Place, and are totally sold out.

The competitions start in earnest on Friday, January 28, and include hockey (boys) at Rutland Arena West Memorial Arena (girls), X-country skiing at Telemark, figure skating and speed skating at the Capital News Centre, curling at the Kelowna Curling Club, and alpine skiing and snowboarding at Big White.

A young athlete trains for hockey in Kelowna.

A full Program Guide for the Games is available on the Kelowna2011 website, which will give you specific competition times, locations, and divisions.

On Saturday, the competitions continue in all the disciplines. There will be medal presentations in both figure skating (after the boys and girls Free Program Skate) and speed skating (after the 3000 m Exhibition race) at the Capital News Centre.

A skier gives it her "all".

Sunday is a big day in Kelowna, with semi-finals and Bronze and Gold medal competitions in curling, and hockey. Again, you’ll want to check the Program Guide for the specifics of location and time for the sporting events you are keen to watch.

During the Games, there will be an info desk at the Delta Grand Conference Centre foyer. This is the one-stop shop for information on the Games, so it will be sure to be a busy place!

A figure skater practices in Kelowna.

Thanks again to everyone in our community who is part of putting on the Games. It is sure to be a spectacular event, and we are looking forward to it!