Gushue rink brings home the gold

Premier Danny Williams today congratulated Team Gushue on their incredible performance at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. Brad Gushue, Mark Nichols, Russ Howard, Jamie Korab and Mike Adam won the gold medal with a final score of 10-4 over Finland.

"Brad and his team have made sporting history not only in this province, but in this country, and have made us all exceptionally proud," said Premier Williams. "Team Gushue represented the very best of Newfoundland and Labrador and have proven that our athletes can compete among the greatest in the world. In fact, not only did they compete among the greatest, but they emerged as the best in the world after a tremendous performance today in Italy."

The win today for Team Gushue will go down in history as the first time Canada�s men�s team has won gold in curling at the Olympics. From a local perspective, the rink now has the legacy of being the first Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to win gold medals at the winter Olympics.

"I would like to thank the athletes for their marvelous passion and fierce commitment to the game," said Premier Williams. "They are an inspiration for young Newfoundland and Labrador athletes, who, after watching them today, will dare to dream, and dare to dream of gold."

The province came to a virtual standstill this afternoon during the gold medal final with most residents glued to television screens in collective anticipation. This excitement has reinforced the renewed sense of pride and identity that has invigorated the province in recent years.

Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, reiterated the Premier�s sentiments and commended Team Gushue�s thrilling performance on the world stage.

"What a moment. What a proud day to be a Newfoundlander and Labradorian!" said the minister. "Today, residents across the province were united in support for our fine athletes. We were watching every rock with pride and emotion, and this emotion was heightened when the Gushue team took the gold."

Curling has always been a major winter activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, not only as a competitive sport, but also as a recreational pastime. More young people than ever before in the province are taking up the sport largely due to the hype around the Gushue team.

"The St. John�s Curling Club membership has increased since the Gushue team won the World Junior in 2001. Youth membership has jumped by 80 per cent!" said Minister Hedderson.

"The Provincial Curling Association has established an Under 17 Championship and is now looking at an Under 14 Championship. So, thanks to Team Gushue, it is now officially hip to be a curler."

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Susanne Hiller, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, 709-729-0928; 728- 7762

2006 02 24                                                        4:40 p.m.