The following statement was issued today by Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to remind honourable members of this House about an exciting upcoming event. The 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in the Humber Valley region officially kick- off this Saturday, February 25, and run until March 4.

As my colleagues are aware, the games began in 1974 as a series of regional competitions held in different locations in the province. Held every second year since, alternating winter and summer, the games have now become the largest multi-sport event staged for youth in the province, bringing together young athletes from 11 to 18 years of age from all regions.

This year there will be competition in 13 sports involving over 150 teams. Over 1,500 athletes, coaches and managers are participating in the games, including teams from St. Pierre and Miquelon who will competing for the fourth time.

The Humber Valley region has developed an excellent reputation for hosting provincial, national and international sporting events and I am sure the 2006 Winter Games will be no exception. The host towns of Steady Brook, Pasadena and Deer Lake - and over 1,000 volunteers - have worked hard to ensure this will be an outstanding event. I know MHAs Tom Marshall and Kathy Goudie are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Humber Valley districts.

The games will also give the region an opportunity to showcase the incredible winter sporting facilities in the area including Marble Mountain in Steady Brook and the cross country Ski and Nature Park in Pasadena.

As the minister responsible for sport and recreation, it will be my pleasure to attend the games and watch our athletes compete and celebrate their successes. But the games are about more than winning. They are about sport development and the spirit of fair play. I know that numerous friendships will be formed and our young people will leave with lasting memories.

Participation in the games promotes the many benefits associated with choosing a healthy and active lifestyle. During a time when physical activity rates are down and obesity rates are up in this province, these young athletes are important role models for us all.

Many of our up-and-comers will go on to represent the province at the national and international level. Some may one day be our next Olympians. In fact, our present Olympians, Jamie Korab, Mike Adam and Mark Nichols competed in the 1998 Winter Games in Labrador City.

No doubt, the athletes participating in this year�s winter games will feel inspired tomorrow as they watch Team Gushue go for gold at the Olympics in Italy. What a great and proud moment in the sporting history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The members of Team Gushue - Brad Gushue, Mark Nichols, Jamie Korab, Mike Adam and Russ Howard and coach Toby McDonald - have proven that our athletes can compete against the best in the world.

I invite all members to join me in wishing the best of luck to Team Gushue in Italy and to all participants in the 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games.

2006 02 23                                         1:50 p.m.