January 23, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

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

1998 Winter Games Hoop Playdowns

Over 700 athletes will participate in the 1998 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games Regional Basketball Play Downs over the next two weekends in various areas of the province. The tournaments are open to athletes born in 1983 or later and are open to school teams only. Tournament sites for this weekend, January 23-24, include : St. Patrick's School in St. John's (Male), Mt. Pearl Jr. High (Male), Fatima Academy in St. Brides (Male), Winter Games Complex in Clarenville (Male), Fogo Island High (Female), St. James Junior High in Port aux Basques (Male), and St. Stephen's School in Stephenville (Female). During the weekend of January 30-31 tournament sites include: Beaconsfield Junior High in St. John's (Female), Stella Maris School in Trepassey (Female), St. Catherine's Academy in St. Mary's Bay (Female), St. Michael's School in Grand Falls/Windsor (Male) and Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Happy Valley, Labrador (Male).

Teams advancing from each region will attend the Newfounland and Labrador Winter Games slated for Labrador City/Wabush, March 14 - 21, 1998.

Contact: Bill Murphy, (709) 576-0247