Minister seeks expressions of interest to construct and operate a training facility at Torbay

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced her department will seek expressions of interest in a public-private partnership to construct and operate a training facility at Torbay.

"We will consider a public-private partnership opportunity to construct and operate a new centre to meet the training needs of the provincial sport organizations displaced by the closure of the Torbay Provincial Training Centre," said Minister Bettney. "We will invite expressions of interest within the next month or so, and it will take approximately another four or five weeks after that to reach a decision."

The centre�s gymnasium was closed April 15, 2001, following consultation with the Department of Works, Services and Transportation. The recommendation was to close the gymnasium because of the substandard condition of the floor caused by persistent water leaks from the roof.

The centre continues to house the head offices of the Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Athletic Federation and Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. Provincial sport organizations such as athletics, badminton, basketball, figure skating, gymnastics, tennis, baseball, soccer, swimming and volleyball also have individual offices at the centre.

In February, the minister announced that interim funding would be provided to provincial sport organizations who have traditionally used the Torbay Recreation Centre as their primary site for training of their provincial and Canada Games teams. This program will be available for expenses incurred after April 1, 2003, and will be capped at $7,000.

"Government is committed to the continued development of amateur sport by providing a safe facility for training and competitions," said the minister. "We recognize the tremendous contribution that sport and recreation make to the province, especially to our youth. We are taking measures to raise our consciousness about the importance of sport and physical activity in general. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to provide access to training for our vibrant sports community."

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2003 03 31                                         4:10 p.m.