"Gary has had a distinguished career in softball both on the provincial and national level as both a player and a coach," said French. "He played fastpitch softball for 25 years and for the past eight years Gary has served as minor director for Softball Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1995 he served as chairperson for the 1995 Canadian Senior Mens Fastpitch Championships.

"Presently Gary is the chairperson for the opening and closing ceremonies for the 1996 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in C.B.S.

"Gary was inducted into the St. John's Softball Hall of fame in 1993."

Mr. French went on to say that he is sure that under the chairmanship of Gary the world tournament will be a tremendous success.

Contact: Softball Newfoundland and Labrador, 576-7049.

A copy of Mr. Corbett's biography follows.

Gary received bachelor of physical education and bachelor of education degrees from MUN in 1975 and 1977 respectively. In the education field, he has 20 years experience. He taught physical education at Holy Cross Elementary (K-6) from 1975 - 1980 and was principal from 1980 - 1992. Gary is presently principal of St. Catherine's Academy (K-12). He is also an executive member of Canadian Association of Principal's National Conference 1999 Planning Committee.

Gary has had a distinguished softball career on both the provincial and national level, spanning 30 years as both a player and coach. He played fastpitch softball for 25 years representing Newfoundland and Labrador at four national men's championships and has won over 80 individual and team awards during his softball career. He was a member of the 1971 All-Star Team that won the Montreal Youth Invitational Tournament in which he was named MVP and in that same year won the Atlantic Junior Invitational Tournament. He was recognized with the Government of Canada - Celebrations '88 Medal for his contribution to sport and athletics, was Softball Newfoundland and Labrador Executive of the Year in 1988 as well as Sport Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Sports Executive of the Year.

For the past eight years, Gary has been the minor director for Softball Newfoundland and Labrador. He was the spokesperson for Softball Newfoundland and Labrador for the World Ladies bid in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles in 1991. He was a mission staff member for the 1993 Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, B.C. as well as the pitching coach for the Canada Summer Games Men's Softball Team.

In 1993, Gary was recognized for his achievements and commitment to sport by being inducted into the St. John's Softball Hall of Fame.

Gary chaired the 1995 Senior Men's National Fastpitch Championship which was held at the Caribou Complex in St. John's and is chairperson for the upcoming 1997 World Junior Softball Championship also being held in St. John's.

Currently, Gary is the chairperson for the opening/closing ceremonies for the 1996 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in C.B.S. and the liaison for the 1997 Canada Summer Games men's/ladies softball teams.

Gary's present commitment to sport is very evident. He is presently a member of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador's Board of Directors. As second vice-president, he is the board member responsible for the Sports Hall of Fame acting as liaison between SNL Board and the Board of Governors for the Hall of Fame and overseeing the preparations for the annual induction ceremonies.

A very dedicated person to sport, we are sure that Gary will continue to play a major role in ensuring the importance of sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.

1996 04 12 3:05 p.m. /md