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

Finalists named for province's best in 1996

The 21 finalists for the seven provincial awards were announced by Frances Wiseman, chair for the 1996 Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Awards Program.

Nominations for each category - junior male and female athlete of the year, senior male and female athlete of the year, coach, executive and team of the year were received from various sports governing bodies, sports media and the general public.

The awards were voted on by members of the sports media and a select group of sports minded individuals throughout the province.

Wiseman points out: "We sincerely congratulate the finalists and all the nominees although there is only one winner in each category, it is a honour for each person to be nominated in recognition of his or her outstanding performance in 1996."

"The substantial increase in nominations this year over preceding years indicates the considerable support throughout the province for the Annual Awards Program provided by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador", comments Wiseman.

The awards will be presented during a sponsored banquet on March 15 at the Delta Hotel in St. John's.

"We would like too sincerely thank the sponsors Labatt Breweries as the major sponsor, along with associate sponsors Brookfield Dairy Group, Investors Group, 3M, and Air Atlantic, for their continued support of the Awards Program," comments Wiseman.

A listing follows of the 21 finalists being considered for these prestigious awards.

Brookfield Dairy Group Junior Female Athlete of the Year

• Nancy Hicks - Olympic weightlifting
  Suzanne Drodge - Swimming
  Tara Mitchelmore - Taekwondo

Brookfield Dairy Group Junior Male Athlete of the Year

• Harold Druken - Hockey
  Adam Morgan - Diving
  Daniel Cleary - Hockey

Labatt Senior Female Athlete of the Year

• Michelle Critch - Karate
  Michele Healey - Basketball
  Maria Maunder - Rowing

Labatt Senior Male Athlete of the Year

• Colin Abbott - Softball
  Andy Crosbie - Rowing
  Phil Graham - Rowing

Labatt Team of the Year

• Newfoundland Iron Workers Softball Team
  Newfoundland Senior Men's Rugby Team
  Newfoundland Canada Games Women's Soccer Team

Investors Group executive of the Year

• (Because of a vote tie there are four finalists for the Executive of the Year)
  Alan (Tex) Seaborn - Baseball
  Doug Redmond - Soccer
  Frank Deacy - Rugby
  Annetta Power - 5 Pin Bowling

3M Coach of the Year

• Rick Babstock - Hockey
  Terry Mosher - Volleyball
  Ed Arnott - Soccer

Contact: Lynn Hindy, (709) 576-4932.