March 31, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

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

Winners announced for the Annual Sports Awards

It is with great pleasure that Rosalind Pound, Chairperson of the Awards Program, announces the names of the winners for the 1997 Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Awards. The presentation of the awards took place Saturday, March 28 at the Delta Convention Centre in St. John's.

The winner of the Elizabeth Swan Memorial Plaque for the Labatt Senior Female Athlete of the Year is Maria Maunder of rowing. The presenters for this award were Barbara Predham of figure skating and Brian Gibbons of Labatt Brewery.

The winner of the Ferd Hayward Memorial Plaque for the Senior Male Athlete of the Year is Peter Benoite of basketball. The presenters of this award were Robin Hayward representing the family and Brian Gibbons of Labatt.

The winner of the Brookfield Dairy Group Provincial Junior Female Athlete of the Year is Anita Pushpanathan of tennis. The presenters of this award were Brian Walsh of the Brookfield Dairy Group and the Roger Grimes, Minister of Education.

The winner of the Brookfield Dairy Group Provincial Junior Male Athlete of the Year is Billy Russell of boxing. The presenters of this award were Brian Walsh of Brookfield and Keith Coombs, representing the City of St. John's.

The winner of the Edward Browne Memorial Plaque for the Labatt Air Atlantic Team of the Year is the Newfoundland, under 19, Rugby Team, the Canada Games Team. The presenters of this award were Father William Browne representing the family, Brian Gibbons of Labatt and Patsy Yetman representing Air Atlantic Canadian.

The winner of the John Drinkwater Memorial Plaque for the 3M Coach of the Year is Pat Parfrey of rugby. The presenters of this award were Bill Hogan Sr. of swimming and Cathy Ivany of 3M.

The winner of the Graham Snow Memorial Plaque for the Investors' Executive of the Year is Glenn Normore of Basketball. The presenters of this award were Roberta Snow representing the family and Steve Collett of Investors.

Pound said: "All nominees and finalists in each category should feel proud of their accomplishments over the past year that enabled them to be nominated in each of these categories."

Rosalind Pound would like to sincerely thank the awards banquets major sponsor Labatt Brewery, along with their associate sponsors Air Atlantic, Brookfield Dairy Group, Investors, and 3M for their continued financial support.

Contact: Renee Dowden, (709) 576-4932.