More than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to participate over 19 sports during next year’s BC Summer Games in Kelowna. The list of sports was unveiled Thursday by the BC Games Society. The number of sports has been reduced from the list of sports from the 2024 games in Maple Ridge. Soccer, equestrian and 3x3 basketball have all been withdrawn by their various provincial bodies. “Inclusion of sports in the BC Games is determined through the Core Sport Policy,” the society said in a news release. “The policy outlines the criteria that provincial and disability sport organizations must meet to qualify and ensures that the BC Games continues to deliver exceptional experiences through sport to young athletes from all over the province.” Sports making the list include artistic swimming, athletics, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, box lacrosse, canoe/kayak, field lacrosse, golf, rowing, girls rugby, sailing, girls softball, swimming, towed water sports, triathlon, ultimate, volleyball and wrestling. Special Olympics athletics and swimming events will also be run as well as para-swimming events. It’s expected more than 2,250 athletes, 445 coaches and 308 officials will take part. Venues are expected to be announced at a later date. The 2026 BC Summer Games will take place from July 22 to 26. This is the fourth time the city has hosted the BC Summer Games. The city previously hosted in 1980, 1994, and 2008.