The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Twenty-three swimmers from across Newfoundland and Labrador will travel to Charlottetown, PEI this weekend to participate in the Island Outdoor Invitational Swim Meet hosted by Swim PEI. The swimmers representing 10 different swim clubs from all parts of the province, make up the first team in what is hoped to be an annual event in the swim year. Picked by their home clubs, the swimmers, were chosen for their progress and dedication during the year. Swimming Newfoundland and Labrador's president, Bill Hogan, notes that many of these swimmers have not yet quite reached the level of development in their sport that would allow them to gain off shore experience. However, the way for the trip, which is funded in part by the Provincial Swimming Section, was made with the adoption of a strategic plan last year. "All our member clubs," Hogan stated, "felt that it was really important to include these swimmers in such an event, and the strategic plan, which was developed by all member clubs, paved the way. Some of these swimmers will be our future stars and we are all delighted to see them participate in this trip."

Swimmers making the trip to PEI are: Danielle Genge from Wabush/Labrador City; Robert Fleet and Katharine Hardiman from Happy Valley/Goose Bay; Janet Byrnes and Colleen Marie Dwyer from Stephenville; Katharine Sparrow, Amanda Lewis, Patrick Coleman and Skylar Pike from Corner Brook; Stephen Walsh and Melissa Rideout from Grand Falls/Windsor; Kellee Melendy from Gander; Heather Tucker and Sarah Turpin from Carbonear; Justin Kennedy, Amy Stoodley and Justin Hiscock from Conception Bay South; Brad Pippy and Ashley Crummell from Mount Pearl; and Kevin Barrett, Claire Page-Shiner, Jessica Corbett, and Michael Furlong from St. John's. The swimmers who leave on Friday and return home on Monday, will be accompanied by coaches Tracey Hogan from St. John's and Debbie Rideout from Conception Bay South.

Contact: Susan Weiser, (709) 576-7946.

96 06 20 1:45 p.m.