BC 2026 Summer Games artwork finished, but Kelowna still needs volunteers

Banners are designed. Marking is complete. And the artwork that will define the look of 2026 BC Summer Games it’s already showing up around Kelowna.

But while the Games’ visual identity is complete, organizers say a major challenge remains: finding thousands volunteers to help make the event happen.

Students and volunteers from Okanagan College spent months creating the official artwork for the Games, taking inspiration from the Okanagan Valley’s famous mountains, bridges and sunshine.

The project required students to balance classes, part-time jobs and volunteer work with the BC Summer Games, often working under tight deadlines.

For project coordinator Anastasia Voytovych, work often meant sacrificing sleep to meet deadlines.

“I think there was a month where I stayed up until 4 or 5 in the morning,” she said. “My family would wake up and see me still sitting there.”

Graphic design artist Tyron Barnett-Lake says seeing his work displayed across the city has been both exciting and intimidating.

“Seeing my artwork in public is terrifying and surreal at the same time,” he said. “There’s something very rewarding about seeing your art in public for the first time.”

This call for volunteers comes as a team of Okanagan College students celebrates the completion of the official branding and artwork that will welcome athletes and visitors from across British Columbia.

While the creative work is complete, organizers say preparing for the arrival of thousands of athletes, coaches and officials remains a massive undertaking.

“The biggest hurdle we still have is recruiting volunteers for the Summer Games,” said Michael Saad, director of marketing for the BC Summer Games. “We are looking for more than 3,000 volunteers.”

As organizers continue to recruit volunteers, the student artists hope their work will help showcase the beauty of Kelowna to visitors from across the province.

“When people attend the Games and look at the art, I really want them to feel the beauty of Kelowna,” Barnett-Lake said.

The games will take place from July 22 to 26.

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