Abbotsford has won the bid to host the 2016 BC Summer Games.

Minister of Finance and Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong made the announcement with Mayor Bruce Banman to a crowd gathered at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre Friday morning.

The provincial government will grant the city $600,000 to help defray costs associated with hosting the Games, said de Jong.

"It's one of those investments that pays rich dividends," said de Jong, adding Abbotsford has a long history of hosting successful sporting events for two reasons.

"Our sporting facilities are some of the best in the country . . . which makes Abbotsford a logical choice," he said.

"But even more important are the volunteers in this community that make events like this such a success for all participants."

Mayor Bruce Banman echoed de Jong's excitement.

"Just think of the tremendous energy surging through our community as we host approximately 3,000 young athletes from across B.C.," he said.

"Think of the spirit of competition, the spirit of encouragement, the spirit of cooperation and service that will pervade and shape our community."

Banman noted the work for the Games - secured thanks to the city's bid committee - has just begun.

Abbotsford volunteers, businesses, and community organizations will be critical to the success of the event, he said.

"We need you to make these athletes' dreams come true," he told the crowd. Abbotsford has hosted a number of sporting events, including the BC Seniors Games, Western Canada Games, and Special Olympics among others.

The city last hosted the BC Summer Games in 2004, when young elite athletes like Brett Lawrie of the Toronto Blue Jays got their start.

More than 3,900 athletes, coaches and officials will be involved in approximately 20 sports from July 21 to 24, 2016.

The sporting event will be organized by a community board of directors and supported by 3,000 volunteers. Milt Walker, chairman of the 2016 Games bid committee and president of Abbotsford's 2004 BC Summer Games, was confident the community would meet all expectations once again.

"All the games we've had have been successful. We know how to run Games," said Walker.

De Jong noted the Abbotsford announcement about the sporting event is timely as the District of Mission is getting organized to host the 2014 Winter Games next February.

Three other communities were also announced as hosts of future BC Games in separate events on Friday.

The 2016 BC Winter Games are headed to Penticton, the 2018 BC Winter Games return to Kamloops and the Cowichan Valley is hosting the 2018 BC Summer Games.

For more, visit www.bcgames.org.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com