Several thousand athletes, coaches, and parents have descended on Vernon for the BC Winter Games.

Photo: Contributed - 2012 Vernon Winter Games

The games begin Thursday night with the opening ceremonies starting at 7 p.m., at the Wesbild Centre.

Performers include:

• The Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastic and Cirque Theatre Company
• Accentz Dance Studio
• The WLC-Tones Choir (WL Seaton Secondary)
• Brandon Schmore (keyboards).
• Melina Moore & her son Justin Moore will perform O'Canada.
• The Master of Ceremonies will be Global BC news anchor Randene Neill, who is from Vernon.
• The song written for the BC Winter Games by Vernon's Andrew Allen, "Your Time to Shine" will be featured.
• There will be a full torch run including many Vernon athletes as part of the Opening Ceremonies, including speed skater Connie Kapak and 17 other individuals.

Premier Christy Clark will be on hand for the opening of the games, in fact, it is believed the premier will light the official winter games flame.

Competition in 15 sports begins Friday and run through Sunday with events being held in Vernon, Coldstream, Armstrong and Silver Star Mountain.

The 15 events include:

• Archery  -  Vernon Secondary
• Badminton  -  Fulton Secondary
• Biathlon  -  
• Curling
• Figure Skating
• Gymnastics
• Hockey - Female
• Judo
• Karate
• Netball
• Ringette
• Skiing - Alpine
• Skiing - Cross Country
• Skiing - Freestyle
• Speed Skating

The closing ceremonies are set for 1 p.m. at Wesbild Centre.

For a complete list of sports and venues, go to the Vernon 2012 Winter Games website.

If you are in Vernon for the games, Castanet would love to see your pictures. Send pictures to [email protected]