Premier celebrates province�s young athletes at awards ceremony

A total of 92 athletes from across the province representing 33 sports were recognized for their athletic accomplishments today at the annual Premier�s Athletic Awards ceremony in St. John�s. Premier Danny Williams presented award winners with grants in the amounts of $500, $1,000 and $1,500 to help offset the costs associated with training. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Tom Hedderson was also on hand for the awards ceremony.

"I was so proud to meet all of these young people today, who have dedicated so much of their time to excelling in athletics," said Premier Williams. "Participating in sport is an important part of wellness and healthy living, and our government is committed to promoting active lifestyles. The recipients of the Premier�s Athletic Awards have taken participation to another level. They are committed to achieving excellence in their sport, and deserve recognition and admiration for their tremendous accomplishments. Such dedication is not without financial burden, and these awards are designed to assist in that regard."

The Premier�s Athletic Awards are designed to assist the province�s elite athletes by providing financial assistance to support them while competing at the Atlantic, national and international levels. Approximately 200 athletes applied for assistance under the Premier�s Athletic Awards Program this year.

"The Premier�s Athletic Awards Program was created not only to honour athletic excellence but also to help offset the travel costs associated with training and competition," said Minister Hedderson. "We believe athletes should have the opportunity to train and to continue to develop and excel in their sport."

Premier Williams also announced details of the annual Team Gushue Scholarship Award, which was officially announced as a part of the Premier�s Athletic Awards in February 2006.

"One of the proudest moments in our province�s history took place earlier this year when Team Gushue competed with the best in the world and brought home Olympic Gold," added Premier Williams. "Team Gushue have demonstrated excellence in curling and have become significant role models for the young athletes of this province. They have shown us that with hard work and dedication anything is possible, and these annual scholarships will honour them and youth involved in competitive sport."

The inaugural Team Gushue Scholarship Award will be presented for the first time during the 2007 Premier�s Annual Athletic Awards and will honour both academic and athletic excellence. These awards, of $5,000 each, will be presented to one male and female athlete annually who are currently attending, or planning to attend, a recognized post-secondary institution and have competed in a national or international level sporting competition in their last competitive season.

The Premier�s Athletic Awards Program is open to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are registered with a Provincial Sport Organization recognized by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Eligible athletes must be competing for, and continue to compete for, Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canada Games and other national and regional competitions. Athletes must be attending an educational institution on a full-time basis. While the Team Gushue Scholarship Award will be annually awarded during the Premier�s Athletic Awards reception, athletes will apply through the Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship program.

Brad Gushue and his teammates, Jamie Korab, Mark Nichols, Russ Howard, Toby Macdonald and Mike Adam, made sporting history when they won the gold medal at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy.

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 05 23                                      4:00 p.m.