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September 19, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Cabot celebrations to peak with " Five Hundred More"

The Matthew may have departed Newfoundland and Labrador's shores, but the province's Cabot 500 Anniversary Celebrations are far from over, says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

"The celebrations certainly didn't end with the Matthew's departure or the Summit of the Sea Core Conference," Kelly says. "And not only have we had wonderful projects through the ongoing Year of the Arts 1997, but the celebrations will reach new heights with the 500 More youth event set for Gros Morne and Corner Brook from November 9 to 15."

The Five Hundred More Youth Congress will see a total of 150 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 gather at Killdevil Anglican Camp at Gros Morne to consider the major issues facing young people today, such as the economy and careers, and sustainable development of the environment.

"Given that the major focus of the Cabot celebrations has been our history, and who we are as people today, it was logical that the culmination of the celebrations should focus on the future, especially the future as seen through the eyes of young people from Newfoundland and Labrador, the rest of Canada, and the world," Kelly says.

Delegates to Five Hundred More will first gather at Killdevil Camp from November 9 to 12 for a series of workshops and keynote addresses on sustainable development of the environment, and youth employment and the economy. From November 13 to 15, the 150 delegates will unite with the Provincial Student Leadership Conference at Herdman Collegiate in Corner Brook to become 500 strong, where they will focus on leadership skills.

"I invite young people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador between the ages of 14 and 18 to apply for Five Hundred More, and take part in another highlight of our Cabot 500 Year," Kelly says.

"Thanks to corporate, Cabot 500 and government sponsorship, there will be no delegate fee for participants of Five Hundred More," Kelly says. "Five Hundred More will provide meals, travel assistance and accommodations for selected participants, first at Killdevil Anglican Camp in Gros Morne, and finally through billeting at Corner Brook when they join the Provincial Student Leadership Conference."

Selection of delegates is based on area of residence, concern about the environment, involvement in youth organizations, involvement in the community, and stated commitment for follow-up activities on youth issues.

Kelly stressed that Five Hundred More is not limited to young people actively involved in an extensive range of youth or community pursuits.

"The manner in which the young people express themselves on the application form and the views they put forward will also be a strong determining factor, as judged by the independent selection committee," she notes.

Five Hundred More is open to young people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador between the ages of 14 and 18 as of December 31, 1997.

Information and application forms regarding the Five Hundred More Youth Congress have already been forwarded to all junior high and high schools throughout the province, and all regional economic zonal boards. Information and application forms can also be obtained through the Internet at www.cabot500.nf.ca, by linking to the Five Hundred More page, or by calling Cabot 500 at (709) 729-1997.

Screening and selection of applications will be handled by an independent selection committee, which will deal with unidentified but numbered application forms.

Deadline for applications is September 30, 1997.

Contact:
Doug Burgess, Manager of Communications, Cabot 500 Anniversary Celebrations, (709) 729-4247
Sonya Abbott , Event Manager, 500 More Youth Congress(709) 729-1997