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Funding for Greater Vernon games undecided

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee hasn’t decided yet how it will handle field conditions for the 55+ BC Games.
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The Greater Vernon Athletics Park will be one of the venues for the 55+ BC Games.

Some planning for a major sports tournament remains in limbo.

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee hasn’t decided yet how it will handle field conditions for the 55+ BC Games.

“We will bring it back for discussion in the (2017) budget process,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks manager.

The organizing committee has asked GVAC to have fields at early-season conditions when athletes participate in the September 2017 Games.

The concern is that after a full season of use by local residents, the fields may be worn out by the  time the athletes arrive in the fall.

Among the GVAC facilities identified are Kal Beach for dragon boat racing, Grahame Park for fastpitch, the DND fields for slowpitch, Marshall Fields for soccer and tennis, Paddlewheel Park for tennis and the athletics park for track.

However, Mike Macnabb, a GVAC director, insists there is nothing wrong with facilities in the fall.

“We keep the facilities in reasonable condition year-round. I don’t understand the request at all,” he said.

Director Akbal Mund defends the Games’ request, and says few upgrades will likely be needed for most facilities.

“They want to make sure everything looks the best it can,” he said.

Similar requests about conditions are also being made of Coldstream and Vernon where facilities are located.