November 20, 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:

I rise today to ask my honourable colleagues to join me in congratulating the Corner Brook Triathlon Committee on its most recent success, in securing the prestigious International Triathlon Union World Cup event for the years 1999 and 2000.

In 1998 this local triathlon organization hosted a first class international event that featured the world's best triathletes, called "Come Tri Our World!" In recognition of successfully hosting this year's event, Corner Brook will now have it for two more years.

Both competitors and spectators alike were overwhelmed by the level of organization and hospitality of the Corner Brook event. The Newfoundland Triathlon experience, was best described by Danish competitor Marie Overby - "Great expectations, but the reality was even better."

The Corner Brook Triathlon committee has come a long way in its 18-year history, with the citizens of Corner Brook coming together annually to put off their race. The event has built itself up from a small community sporting event to the jewel of the ITU World Cup circuit.

Organizers have estimated that 15,000 spectators turned out on race day to cheer all those who took up the challenge of the grueling course. As a government we are proud to support this event along with other major sponsors, Seafreez, Newtel, Air Canada/ Air Nova, the Government of Canada and the City of Corner Brook.

The Corner Brook Triathlon is truly an example of a community, government and private businesses all working together to realize a common goal.

On Saturday, November 28 the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will get the opportunity to view the 1998 World Cup event on television as it continues to broadcast around the globe.

The NTV network has agreed to broadcast the 1998 Newfoundland and Labrador World Cup at 4 p.m. (local time). I would encourage everyone to experience this world class event and to recognize the great things being done with our tourism product. These events continue to profile our province in national and international markets. This program has also been picked up on specialty channels in Canada, Japan, Australia, Spain, U.K., and France.

Plans are well on their way for the 1999 and 2000 events. We look forward to August 15, 1999 when the International Triathlon Union will again make Newfoundland and Labrador its center stage.

I wish the Corner Brook Triathlon Committee, under the direction of Denise May, the best of luck as they chart their course for these future events.

1998 11 20 4:10 p.m.