Appendix: Letters of Support for 55+ BC Games Bid
Sample letters of support from various Okanagan municipalities for previous games bids.
File 7700-04
May 27, 2015
BC Seniors Games Society c/o Administrative Assistant 2089 Vallis Place Sidney, BC V8L 2L3
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of City of Vernon Council, I am pleased to write this letter of support endorsing the City of Vernon and City of Armstrong's bid to host the 2017, 2018 or 2019 55+ BC Games with our preference being 2017. As you know, the first ever BC Seniors' Games were held in Vernon in 1988 and played host to 650 athletes. We were proud and excited to be the first ever community to host these games and would love to welcome athletes back to where it all started for the 30th anniversary games in 2017.
The City of Vernon is a small vibrant city staged in a natural backdrop at the foot of the Monashee Mountains at the north end of Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes. Vernon blends small city charm, urban amenities, robust cultural events, a love of sports and amazing outdoor activities. Located in the Okanagan-Similkameen zone 5, Vernon is centrally located in the southern part of the province and is easily accessible by car from most zones in the province or by air through the Kelowna International Airport which is just 35 minutes away.
With a large and enthusiastic volunteer base that constantly steps up, our community has demonstrated success in hosting past events such as the 2012 BC Winter Games and the annual Funtastic Slo-Pitch tournament and Music Festival - Canada's largest slo-pitch tournament.
The 55+ BC Games offers a great opportunity to encourage and promote lifelong healthy lifestyles and showcase our area. With all that Vernon, Greater Vernon and the Armstrong areas has to offer, we believe we would be an ideal location to host the 55+ BC Games.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours truly,
Akbal Mund Mayor
OFFICE OF: PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE OUR FILE No.: 8100.15 / BC 55+ Games
May 27th, 2015
BC Seniors Games Society 203 - 2453 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC V8L 1X7
RE: Confirmation of RDNO Proportional Funding for BC 55+ Bid
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to provide the BC Seniors Games Society with a letter confirming RDNO's commitment of proportional funding to support the Greater Vernon and Armstrong Bid to host the BC 55+ Games in 2017, 2018 or 2019.
In support of this event, at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Regional District of North Okanagan, the following motion was passed:
That if the City of Vernon's bid to host the BC 55+ Games in 2017, 2018, or 2019 is successful, the Regional District through the Greater Vernon Recreation and Programming Grant Service (063), agrees to commit proportional financial support towards the $60,000 cash contribution to the BC 55+ Games Host Society in the budget year that the Games are awarded.
Thank you for your consideration of our bid.
Yours truly,
Rick Fairbairn, Chair
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
June 11, 2015 File No. 0940-09
Mayor Akbal Mund City of Vernon 3400 30th Street Vernon, BC V1T 5E6
Dear Mayor Mund;
Re: 55+ BC Games
On behalf of Council, I am pleased to confirm that the City of Armstrong supports the City of Vernon's bid to host the 55+ BC Games in 2017, 2018 or 2019, with the preference being the 30th Anniversary games the week of September 12-16, 2017.
The cost to Armstrong will be proportionate to the population of the City of Vernon which equates to a $5,000 cash contribution and in-kind contributions through the donation of facilities managed by the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation Commission. The cash contribution will be shared 50/50 by the City of Armstrong and the Township of Spallumcheen.
Our City has much to offer to our guests during their stay as we are home to the oldest farmers' market in BC; we support a variety of artisans that produce hand crafted cheeses, gourmet chocolates, deluxe oils and vinegars to name a few; and for over 100 years, we have been host to BC's premiere agricultural tradition, the annual Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede.
It is with great enthusiasm that Armstrong prepares to welcome the athletes and their friends and families to our region.
Yours Truly,
Chris Pieper Mayor
CP/ng
Enclosure (1)
cc: Doug Ross, Director, Recreation Services, City of Vernon Janice Brown, Mayor, Township of Spallumcheen
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
June 9th, 2015
Mayor Akbal Mund City of Vernon 3400 – 30th Street Vernon, BC V1T 5E6
Re: 55+ BC Games
Please accept this letter of support from the Township of Spallumcheen for the City of Vernon's request for the Township of Spallumcheen's joint participation with the City of Armstrong in the 55+ BC Games.
As the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation Commission is a joint venture between Armstrong and Spallumcheen I am pleased to announce that the Township of Spallumcheen is supporting the City of Vernon's bid to host the games which includes the Township contributing 50% ($2,500) of the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Joint financial portion of $5,000 and gift in kind for the Township's 50% of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation Commission facility use. As I understand you have already received the Joint Council Press release from myself and Mayor Chris Pieper outlining our communities support.
The bid for hosting the 2017 55+ BC Games also falls within the same calendar year as the Township of Spallumcheen's 125th Anniversary of incorporation, which took place on July 21st, 1892. The 55+ BC Games will be an excellent addition to the festivities to celebrate this anniversary.
On behalf of Council, we look forward to supporting this event as a regionally significant tourism and economic development opportunity.
Sincerely,
Janice Brown Mayor
JB/cg
Attach. Certified Resolution cc. Mayor Chris Pieper



