March 24, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

The following statement was issued today by Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Wheelchair Sports Funding Announcement

In recent days, sporting events have taken on a huge profile in Newfoundland and Labrador.

We have just this past weekend drawn the curtain down on the 1998 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games, held in Labrador West. It was a wonderful experience and an enormous success.

I'd like to thank all of the people who worked very hard to make the games a reality - the organizers, the volunteers, the sponsors, the athletes, the coaches and families, and of course our hosts in Labrador West.

My department, along with the people of Western Newfoundland, now must focus on our next major sporting challenge - the 1999 Canada Winter Games, which will take place in the Corner Brook area 11 short months from now.

All of Canada will be watching as we put our athletes to the test against the best our country has to offer. It's another great opportunity to show off what Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.

My department is committed to the development of sport in this province, whether through the preparation of venues for major sporting events, or competitive opportunities for our athletes, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador games.

In this regard, I was pleased to be able to close the 1998 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games with the announcement that we will call for bids for the next two games later this spring, underscoring our commitment to this wonderful event.

We realize the importance of supporting our athletes, and of playing an active role in recreation and sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 1999 Canada Winter Games will be an incredible experience for our athletes. There will be a wide array of sporting events, including events for the physically challenged.

Wheelchair basketball, for instance, is an official event at the games and this sport always draws an enthusiastic audience.

This province has an impressive Wheelchair Sports Association, and I'm certain that our continued support of this association will ensure that they thrive and represent us proudly.

In this regard, I am delighted to announce today that government has approved a grant of $88,000, for the Wheelchair Sports Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Not only will this grant ensure this association has the resources to compete in the 1999 Canada Winter Games, but it will help the association address many of its aspirations, from athletic wheelchair purchases, to undertaking awareness programs.

I ask my colleagues to join me in offering best wishes to the Wheelchair Sports Association as they prepare to compete in this prestigious sporting event. The 1999 Canada Winter Games will be an excellent opportunity to promote wheelchair sports in Canada.

We are delighted to be able to provide this assistance.