March 9, 1999
(Minister Responsible for Labrador)

Board of Directors appointed for Labrador Winter Games 2000; 
$100,000 in initial funding approved

Ernie McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador, and John Hickey, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, today announced the members of the Labrador Winter Games 2000 Board of Directors.

Mr. McLean and Mr. Hickey also announced that the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation has made an initial contribution of $100,000 to the games.

Mr. McLean and Mr. Hickey said that all board members are well-known to the people of Labrador and that, as volunteers, they have and will continue to make a substantial contribution to their community. Leo Abbass will serve as chair and members are: Sterling Peyton, Rex Goudie, Gronwy Price, Reg Kean, Madeline Kelly, Ken Anthony, Dave Hollett, Col. Doug Langton and Harold Marshall.

Mr. McLean said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have such a strong team on the board. Through their efforts, I am sure that Labrador's culture will be celebrated in a truly momentous way."

Mr. Hickey said: "This unique Labrador event brings athletes and organizers from all over Labrador to our community not only for the Labrador Winter Games but for a fellowship that will last long after the games are over. On behalf of council, I congratulate the provincial government and Minister McLean for their involvement. I would also like to say that the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is extremely pleased to make its resources available to ensure that these games are second to none."

The Labrador Winter Games will bring together approximately 450 athletes and involve about 1,000 volunteers from all communities of Labrador during a week-long competition. Many of the events, including snowshoeing, rifle shooting, dog sled racing and the seal crawl are part of the Labrador culture. In the year 2000, the games will also be an important part of the province's millennium celebrations.

The Labrador Winter Games began in 1983 and have been held every three years, with the exception of the last games which were advanced a year to coincide with the Cabot 500 celebrations.

The first meeting of the board of directors takes place tonight in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

1999 03 09 4:20 p.m.