The head of the committee organizing the 2026 Trail-Rossland BC Winter Games says with opening day two and a half months away, he’s optimistic they will find enough volunteers.
President Brian Stefani told Trail city council this week that they are about one-third of the way to their volunteer target, which has previously been reported as 1,600 people.
But that was prior to a volunteer drive at Rossland’s Rekindle event. Another recruitment push will come this weekend at the Christmas market at Waneta Plaza.
Stefani said they also hope that many parents from out of the area who bringing their kids to participate in the games will end up volunteering. They’re also hoping to tap high school students who need to put in a certain number of volunteer hours to meet graduation requirements.
“We’re pretty confident right now,” he said. “Is there going to be a scramble at the end? Absolutely, because you never know what happens.”
Stefani said some events are at the mercy of the weather and could require more intensive effort, for instance, if there is a lack of snow or the snow becomes soft.
Financially, Stefani said they are doing well. They have allocated $600,000 of their $650,000 budget and received $63,000 in cash donations from local businesses as well as $160,000 in in-kind donations.
He said the Trail Memorial Centre will be the site of the opening ceremonies and the hub for the games, which take place Feb. 25 to March 1. Overall 15 sports will be represented. Venues also include Red Mountain ski resort. About 1,200 athletes will be boarded at local schools.
This week city council agreed to a couple of things steps to help the games: they will provide a $27,500 cash grant and they will close the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Center for up to three and a half hours on the evenings of Feb. 26, 27, and 28 so athletes can use the pool and showers.
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