Executive Council
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
August 18, 2008
2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games a Success
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of
Newfoundland and Labrador, congratulated athletes, coaches and
volunteers who participated in the 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer
Games. Premier Williams was in Corner Brook last week to take in some of
the games events and to participate in the closing ceremonies on
Saturday (August 16).
�These games are of value to our province�s young athletes as they
provide a spirit-filled atmosphere where athletes not only compete, but
also meet new friends and learn the values of good sportsmanship and
skill development,� said Premier Williams. �I congratulate the
organizing committee and volunteers for the role they played in ensuring
these games were memorable for all involved. I also commend the City of
Corner Brook for once again demonstrating its outstanding ability to
host first-class sporting events.�
Approximately 1,300 athletes from eight regions across the province, as
well as from St. Pierre and Miquelon, participated in the games, which
ran from August 9 -16. The games featured a total of nine sports -ball
hockey, baseball, beach volleyball, golf, soccer, softball, swimming,
tennis, as well as track and field events.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, also commended Corner Brook and the organizing committee for
their work and investment in seeing that new sports infrastructure was
built in the city. As a result of these games, the city of Corner Brook
has two new baseball fields, four tennis courts and a soccer facility
complete with field turf.
�This new, much-needed, sports infrastructure built by the City of
Corner Brook will leave a long-lasting legacy for provincial athletes as
they continue to grow and develop in their chosen sport,� said Minister
Jackman. �The facilities will also help encourage residents,
particularly in the West Coast region, to lead active, healthy
lifestyles.�
At the closing ceremonies, three highly-anticipated awards were
presented. Premier Williams presented St. John�s /North with the
Premier�s Cup, which goes to the region accumulating the highest number
of points during the games. The Lieutenant-Governor�s Award, which is
given to the region best demonstrating the overall spirit of friendly
competition and sportsmanship, went to Labrador and the Sport
Newfoundland and Labrador Trophy was awarded to Mount Pearl/South for
the region which showed the most improvement in these games from the
previous games.
Provincial Government support for the 2008 Summer Games includes
$200,000 to support the efforts of the organizing committee, $150,000 to
cover athletes� travel costs and, this year, an additional $35,000 for
upgrades to the Stephenville track and field facilities to enable the
athletics component of the games to be held in that community.
For more information on the games including a full list of results
visit: www.nlgames.ca
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