Executive Council
July 18, 2007

Premier Williams Presents Cheques to 2008 Summer Games and Ironman 70.3 Event

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber West, was in Corner Brook today to present cheques on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to both the 2008 Summer Games and Ironman 70.3 event.

�As premier and the proud Member for Humber West, I am delighted to have the opportunity to present these organizations with funding to assist with the planning and preparations for two upcoming sporting events� said Premier Williams. �This is an exciting time for the region as they prepare to host the 2008 Summer Games and the Ironman 70.3 event that will attract thousands of athletes, coaches and visitors to the region. As a government, we are proud supporters of sport in this province, and we believe strongly in investing in the promotion of sport and physical activity. Participation in sport promotes active and healthy lifestyles and these two events exemplify the related positive physical and social benefits.�

The cheque ceremony took place today at the Premier�s Office in Corner Brook. Premier Williams presented a cheque for $175,000 to Brian Bonnell, chair, 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, as well as $100,000 to Peter Antle from Wreckhouse Entertainment Inc. for the Ironman competition. An additional $25,000 will be provided to the 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games upon completion of the games.

�The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to partner with these organizations as they host two stellar events that will produce enormous economic benefits to the area,� said Premier Williams. �We are thrilled to assist with providing participants and visitors with the opportunity to experience the rich culture and hospitality of the beautiful west coast�.

�As the MHA for Humber East, I am pleased to be a part of a government that is such a strong supporter of events and festivals throughout this province like the Newfoundland and Labrador 2008 Summer Games and the Ironman 70.3,� said the Honourable Tom Marshall. �The Humber Valley region has developed a stellar reputation for hosting sporting events on a local, national and international level. These two events will once again give the residents of the entire Humber Valley region the opportunity to showcase the incredible natural beauty of the area. I know the tremendous local volunteer base in this area will embrace these two events and ensure all participants enjoy their visit to the west coast of our province.�

"We are thankful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their generous financial commitment to the Ironman 70.3 event,� said Mr. Antle. "During the last year, the Provincial Government has demonstrated tremendous support and advice as we prepare the race course throughout the Humber Valley. Without this support, volunteer groups like us would not have the opportunity to stage an international class event such as the Ironman.�

The Ironman 70.3 event will take place in the Humber Valley area on July 29, 2007, while the 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games will take place in Corner Brook next summer.

�It is a pleasure to see that the Provincial Government is so willing and eager to invest in both the summer and winter games to help our youth,� said Mr. Bonnell. �We are delighted to host the Summer Games in Corner Brook, as we have a reputation for our generous hospitality and volunteerism and look forward to producing a memorable experience for our athletes and visitors. We thank the province for this opportunity and will certainly strive to host the best games ever.�

Photo #1: Premier Danny Williams and Minister Tom Marshall were joined by Peter Antle, Wreckhouse Entertainment Inc. for the cheque presentation for the Ironman 70.3

Photo #2: Premier Danny Williams and Minister Tom Marshall were joined by Brian Bonnell, chair, 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games for the cheque presentation.
 

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2007 07 18                                        12:30 p.m.
 


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