Minister announces funding for Regional Summer Games

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley today announced funding for two regional summer games to take place in the province this summer. The Town of Roddickton received $7,000 to host a Northern Peninsula Summer Games, while the Town of Botwood received $5,000 to host a Central Newfoundland Summer Games. Both games are made possible through a sport bi-lateral agreement between the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Sport Canada.

"I am pleased to work in partnership with Sport Canada to provide funding for regional games across the province," said Minister Shelley. "Regional games provide a great opportunity for youth in the province to participate in organized sport while acting as a catalyst to get more youth involved in physical activity."

The Northern Peninsula Summer Games are scheduled to take place in Roddickton from July 21-22. The games are designed for youth between the ages of eight to 15. Four sports will be played during the two-day event, including basketball, floor hockey, softball and soccer. Approximately 300 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to participate.

"This two-day event provides a unique opportunity for youth on the Northern Peninsula to be active, healthy and learn to play non-competitive sports," said Jennifer Porter, regional games coordinator. "We thank our sponsors for recognizing the importance of increased physical activity though their support of this event."

The Central Newfoundland Summer Games are scheduled to take place in Botwood from August 16-18. The games are designed for youth age 16 years and under in the sports including ball hockey, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball. The games will have participants from four centres, including Botwood, Bishop�s Falls, Grand Falls-Windsor and Springdale. Approximately 200 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to participate.

"Over the last several years, our Central Newfoundland Summer Games have become the focal point of the summer program," said Edward Evans, town manger with the Town of Botwood. "Outside of skill development, and fun and enjoyment, friendships are made among young people that last a lifetime."

The regional games program involves a series of multi-sport competitions held in regions of the province in an effort to get more youth engaged in regular physical activity. The objectives of the program are to increase the physical activity of youth, stimulate interest in amateur sport, and provide opportunities for small regions of the province to host and experience a multi-sport competition.

For more information on the Northern Peninsula Summer Games, contact Sean Tobin at (709) 457-2252.

For more information on the Central Newfoundland Summer Games, contact Edward Evans at (709) 257-2839.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928

2004 07 15                                        12:15 p.m.