The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated the 2007 Sport Newfoundland and Labrador (SNL) Annual Award winners, as well as the 2008 inductees into the Sports Hall of Fame, who were honoured at the inaugural SNL Stars and Legends Awards Gala, held Saturday, April 5 at the Fairmont Newfoundland in St. John�s.

The event combines two of the province�s top sports awards ceremonies, and recognizes Newfoundland and Labrador�s best teams, coaches, athletes and builders.

"The past, present and future of Newfoundland and Labrador sport were all represented at the Stars and Legends Awards Gala," Minister Jackman said. "Honouring and paying tribute to these individuals is an important part of preserving sport heritage, as well as advancing and ensuring the future of sport throughout the province."

The 2007 Hall of Fame inductees include: Edgar Billard, athlete (hockey); William James Drover, athlete (boxing); Clem Edwards, athlete/builder (soccer); Rex Hillier, athlete (volleyball); Cluny Macpherson Rideout, athlete/builder (baseball); and, Kathy Wells, athlete (table tennis).

Minister Jackman said that the inductees� tremendous contribution to sport throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is appreciated and that the Hall of Fame recognition is well-deserved.

Meanwhile, each year, awards are also presented in seven categories to recognize the province�s best athletic achievements. Nominations are accepted from provincial sport organizations which are members of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 2007 winners include: Stephen Mullaly of Placentia, Senior Male Athlete of the Year; Katherine Quackenbush of St. John�s, Senior Female Athlete of the Year; Sean Edwards of St. Lawrence, Junior Male Athlete of the Year; Katarina Roxon of Stephenville, Junior Female Athlete of the Year; Diane Ryan of St. John�s, Coach of the Year; Patrick Parfey of St. John�s, Executive of the Year; and, Team Devereaux was awarded Team of the Year.

Biographies of the winners and finalists are posted on the Stars and Legends website at www.starsandlegends.ca.

Tom Godden, president of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, said he was pleased with the overall success of this new, combined event.

"The Stars and Legends Gala provided an opportunity for individuals who represent the best in Newfoundland and Labrador�s athletics to unite," Mr. Godden said. "This weekend�s event was a huge success. Not only was it a celebration of athletic contributions and achievements, but also the whole concept of sport and physical participation."

Minister Jackman thanked the selection committees, SNL employees and volunteers for organizing the event.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to work with SNL to achieve the goals outlined in Active Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador: A Recreation and Sport Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador (2007).

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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

2008 04 07                                                 2:20 p.m.