NLIS 6
June 3, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Sports announced for 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games

Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, today announced there will be competition in a total of 13 sports when the 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games take place in the Humber Valley region from February 25 to March 4, 2006. Minister Shelley joined with Humber Valley MHA Kathy Goudie and members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games - Humber Valley Management Committee for the opening of the games office in Deer Lake today.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is a proud sponsor of the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program and we are pleased to provide $360,000 to assist with operation and travel costs," said Minister Shelley. "I am pleased to announce competition in 13 sports when the games take place in Deer Lake next year. The 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games will once again provide an opportunity for up to 1,600 athletes, coaches and managers from all regions of the province to participate in a multi-sport event that fosters sportsmanship and the development of athletic skills."

Competition will be held in the following sports at the 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games: alpine skiing, badminton, basketball, bowling, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, synchronized swimming, table tennis, volleyball and wrestling. Competition will be held in Deer Lake, Pasadena and Steady Brook.

Kathy Goudie, MHA for the Humber Valley District, said she is pleased that plans are proceeding with the games. "As one of the organizers of the games prior to becoming MHA, I am extremely proud that the Humber Valley region will be host to the 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. The experience and skills our volunteers will develop, combined with the addition of vital infrastructure for the stadium, will aid in the continued development of the Humber Valley region as a key area to host sporting events."

Bernard Ball, Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games - Humber Valley Management Committee, said the opening of the office is a sign that the committee is hard at work in preparing for the games. "Our committee has known about hosting the games since 2003 and we have been working hard since that time to ensure that when we host the games next year, we host the best games ever."

Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East, said he is pleased that the Humber Valley region will be the site for the 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. "Over the years, this region has developed a sterling reputation for successfully hosting many provincial, national and international sporting events and I am sure the host committee, games organizers and volunteers will once again live up to this reputation. It is encouraging to see the towns of Steady Brook, Pasadena and Deer Lake work together to ensure the success of this event. The games will give the region an opportunity to showcase the exceptional winter sporting facilities in the area including the Marble Mountain facility in Steady Brook and the cross country Ski and Nature Park in Pasadena."

The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is a program of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Held every second year, alternating winter and summer, the games, the largest multi-sport event staged for youth in the province, bring together young athletes from 11 to 18 years of age from all regions of the province. The 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games will be held in Deer Lake from February 25 to March 4, 2006. Over 1,600 athletes, coaches and managers will participate.

Media contact:
  Tansy Mundon, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741
  Jonathan Snow, 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games, (709) 635-4078

2005 06 03                         2:00 p.m.