The 2007 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games are taking place February 16-18 in Corner Brook. The provincial games will host over 150 athletes, coaches and mission staff from seven different special olympics community-based clubs across the province. Athletes will be competing in the sports of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, for the first time, floor hockey.

Winter provincial championships are hosted annually; however, this year�s competition holds extra significance. These games will be used to select Team Newfoundland and Labrador that will represent the province at the 2008 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Quebec City in February 2008. This opportunity comes only once every four years, so all athletes have been training hard in preparation for this opportunity.

"Although the opportunity to represent their province at national games is a big motivator for our athletes, the opportunity to travel outside their community and meet new friends is just as important. For many of our athletes, this will be their first trip to the west coast so there is a lot of excitement around these games," said John Byrne, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador, Executive Director. "Special olympics provide individuals with an intellectual disability an opportunity to take the spotlight and achieve through sport. Provincial games are the pinnacle for the majority of our athletes on many levels, so we are thrilled to be able to provide them with that opportunity," continued Mr. Byrne.

The 2007 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games are taking place February 16-18 in Corner Brook. The opening ceremonies will be held Friday, February 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Corner Brook High School. The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be in attendance to officially open the games after receiving the games flame from the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Competition will be starting 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17. Cross-country skiing and showshoeing will be hosted at Blow Me Down Ski Club, while floor hockey will be hosted at Corner Brook High School.

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans with an intellectual disability through sport. It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 450 athletes of all ages and abilities. There are currently twelve community based clubs that offer sport programs. Through sport, special olympics offer athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community

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Media contact:
John Byrne
Executive Director
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
354 Water Street � Suite 426
St. John�s, NL A1C 1C4
Phone: 709-690-8334
Fax: 709-738-0119
Web site: www.sonl.ca