Tourism, Culture and Recreation
November 2, 2007Minister
Provides Update on Recreation and Sport Strategy
The province�s recreation and sport strategy �
Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador � A Recreation and Sport
Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador - released this past spring,
is already having a positive impact on sport and recreation
organizations, athletes, and the public.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation, today addressed delegates at Sport Newfoundland
and Labrador�s annual general meeting, and took the opportunity to
highlight some of the initiatives which have been implemented, or are
ongoing, including the development of new recreation and sport
infrastructure.
"We are just weeks away from opening the doors of the
new Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre," Minister Jackman said.
"This state-of-the art facility will be able to accommodate major
tournaments and events. It will also feature a High Performance Centre
where athletes can do the strength and conditioning training they need,
in the environment they need."
Minister Jackman said the facility will be pivotal in
developing and nurturing the exceptional athletic talent that exists in
this province.
Since the April 2007release of Active, Healthy
Newfoundland and Labrador � A Recreation and Sport Strategy for
Newfoundland and Labrador, there have been several initiatives
designed to improve the quality of life and general well-being of the
entire population.
In Budget 2007 alone, the Provincial Government
committed almost $2.4 million in new funding for recreation and sport.
In the past six months, the Provincial Government has:
Increased funding to Sport Newfoundland and
Labrador, School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador, and
Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador for the operation of
programs and services;
Provided funding to Sport Newfoundland and
Labrador to create two new executive director positions for
provincial sport organizations which were struggling to grow and
to offer the programs and services required;
Increased funding to the provincial sports
organizations and recreation commissions, to enable them to
offer improved programs and services;
Doubled the budget (from $150,000 to $300,000)
to enable more of our athletes and teams to attend
nationally-sanctioned tournaments outside the province;
Supported projects like High Five � the
quality assurance program operated through Recreation
Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Kids Sport program, operated
by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, which is designed to help
remove the barriers which can prevent disadvantaged youth from
participating in recreation and sports programs;
Provided about $1 million in new funding to
address repairs and maintenance to our aging recreation and
sports infrastructure;
Identified resources for regional playdowns
held in conjunction with the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer
Games program;
Identified additional support to assist in
developing coaches for the implementation of the Long Term
Athlete Development Program; and,
Established the Aboriginal Sport and
Recreation Council, and they have already hired executive
directors in Labrador and on the West Coast of the island to
work with our Aboriginal people to increase participation in
recreation and sports activities.
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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
2007 11 02
1:00 p.m.
