BEPPLE – Tournament Capital is ready to face challenges again this summer

TOURNAMENT CAPITAL of Canada has delivered once again.

The Memorial Cup isn’t done yet, but the praises have already started for the outstanding work of the organizing committee for bringing not just amazing hockey to Kamloops, but also music, speakers, and other events like ball hockey and the Hockey Hall of Fame to town.

The hometown Kamloops Blazers’ elimination from the tournament finals means there won’t be a fairy tale ending for local sports fans, but the glow of hosting the tournament will last much longer.

There are so many benefits to Kamloops from having tournaments such as the Memorial Cup, and earlier this year, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Great entertainment, national showcasing of our city, full restaurants and hotels.

But leading into the summer, I would say the biggest legacy is a strong, connected, and engaged community.

Over 500 individuals volunteered to make the Memorial Cup possible. From drivers to first aid to ticket checkers to logistics. Hundreds more volunteered for the Scotties.

Volunteering builds community connections. Years of COVID kept us apart. Volunteering helps us rebuild bonds. Strangers get to know each other. Trust is built between neighbors.

Going into the summer, we will need a strong community.

Kamloops is facing another challenge that will require huge community involvement. The fire season is upon us.

If there is a heat dome this summer, connections will help save the lives of vulnerable seniors living in isolation. Neighbours checking on neighbours will keep people safe. A strong sense of community will be so important.

The fire season is already started and it’s predicted to get a lot worse. This week I was out at the BC Wildfire Service’s centre at the Kamloops Airport. They are bracing for a busy fire season. Volunteer run Emergency Social Services (ESS) is preparing as well.

Thousands come to Kamloops for tournaments. Tens of thousands of evacuees come to Kamloops for safety.

When surrounding towns are evacuated, volunteers in Kamloops will step forward. Reception centres will be manned from dawn to dusk, or if required, 24 hours a day. Sports activities will be organized for kids. Meals will be prepared. Individuals will open their homes to friends and family.

Tournament Capital of Canada has given Kamloops the ability to host amazing sporting events manned by hundreds of volunteers. But the lasting legacy is an engaged community.

This summer, Kamloops will be ready, willing and able to support vulnerable people during heat domes and waves of evacuees that will be making their way here.

Thanks so much to the organizing committee for an amazing Memorial Cup. Especially for strengthening our community.

Nancy Bepple is a Kamloops City councillor with a strong interest in community building projects.