Brad Gushue goes for the Gold: Students watch history in the making

All eyes in this province will be glued to TV sets tomorrow to watch Brad Gushue go for the gold. Education Minister Joan Burke wants to ensure every student has that opportunity as well, so she is closing all schools. At lunchtime on Friday, February 24, schools will shut down so that students can join in the excitement.

�We are watching history in the making. No Newfoundlander or Labradorian has ever won an Olympic gold medal. We couldn�t be prouder of Brad and his team. We want our students to remember exactly where they were when they saw the world recognize the talent in this province. We want them to say to their children, �I saw the championship game in Turin when a Newfoundland and Labrador team outplayed the world�,� said Minister Burke.

�The thoughts and prayers of all of us are with Brad, Mark, Russ, Jamie and Mike. And if good vibes can guarantee a win, then I want every young person in this province to watch the final match, and see the St. John�s Curling Club team stand on an Olympic podium. The team is guaranteed a silver, but to win a gold would be an amazing triumph.

�To these young curlers, I say: Go for it, guys. You have united the province in a way we haven�t seen before. We are watching with collective pride, praying with all our strength, and delighting in living the dream with you.�

Schools will make arrangements to change regular busing schedules so that students will be picked up at lunchtime.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 02 23                                                 12:40 p.m.