Newfoundland and Labrador athletes continue to secure prominence on the national and international stage of rugby. From August 15-19, 800 of Canada�s finest rugby players will have the privilege of coming to St. John�s and Mount Pearl to participate in Canada�s National Rugby Fest, an annual tournament that will feature 25 rugby teams from across the country.

The Provincial Government is pleased to announce a contribution of $100,000 to ensure this premium sporting event will take place in Newfoundland and Labrador. Canada�s National Rugby Fest was almost relocated to outside of the province due to the sudden jump in airline prices; however, the Provincial Government stepped up and offered assistance to guarantee that Rugby Fest will take place in Newfoundland and Labrador where it was originally scheduled to take place.

"Our athletes are doing everything they can to showcase their exceptional athletic talent to the rest of the country," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We see this funding as a strategic investment in the sport of rugby, which is one of the most exciting sports in our province thanks to the hard work of volunteers, organizers, coaches and of course outstanding athletes like our own Rod Snow, who has represented this province on our own team The Rock and on Canada�s national team. Newfoundland and Labrador has become a force on the world rugby stage and our government is proud to support and encourage its development."

The Premier and Minister also noted that this event will bring substantial economic activity to the province this summer.

"With Rugby Fest bringing some 800 athletes to Newfoundland and Labrador for a week in August, we see this as a tremendous opportunity to showcase this province as an outstanding place to visit," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "The economic spin off will result in an infusion of an estimated $600,000 into the region. Of course, this is in addition to the intangible benefits of having all of these people experience first hand the unique sights and sounds of our province. We certainly look forward to welcoming these visitors this summer."

Chairman for the organizing committee for Canada�s National Rugby Fest, Pat Parfrey, was especially delighted to see Rugby Fest back on for the province. "We lobbied for this event with Rugby Canada on the basis that it would economically benefit our community and that we were likely to run an enjoyable event," said Pat Parfrey. "We are still deeply disappointed with the airlines� predatory policies which are incredibly damaging to our teams. However, we and our provincial partners across the country are thrilled that the event has been rescued by the Provincial Government. The Premier�s continued support for rugby and sport and recreation generally in Newfoundland and Labrador is to be commended."

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2007 06 01                                                 12:15 p.m.