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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Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Roger Scaplen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
 

2008 08 18                                                    4:05 p.m.


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