The BC Games Society is asking anyone with information to share about inappropriate behaviour at a dance last Saturday that was attended by participants at the 2018 BC Summer Games in Cowichan to contact the RCMP in that community.
In a statement posted to the society’s website on Friday, it said it had been alerted about “allegations of inappropriate behaviour by some male athletes directed towards a number of female athletes” at the special event. It said immediate action was taken and RCMP were informed.
“The well-being of these young women is of paramount importance,” the statement said. “We are continuing to gather information and communicate with the athletes and families to support them.”
The games concluded last Sunday. They attracted more than 2,300 athletes — including many from the Tri-Cities — who competed in 18 sports at venues throughout the Cowichan Valley. The average age of the athletes is 14 years old. The games have been staged since 1978 and have helped propel the athletic careers of several athletes to the world stage.
On its website, the games society said it believes everyone associated with the Games “has the right to participate in an environment that is supportive, positive, respectful, accessible, and that contributes to exceptional experiences.”
“Bad behaviour will not be tolerated,” said the society’s statement about the allegations.
According to media reports, as many as 30 girls said they were groped by a group of boys on the dance floor at the event held at the Cowichan Exhibition Centre. The dance was supervised by some 40 volunteers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522, or email the BC Games Society [email protected].
