The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced the 12 individuals appointed to the board of directors for the 2009 Labrador Winter Games.

Barbra Crawford will chair the board which also consists of; Joe Goudie, Leo Abbass, Rick Lewis, Al Casey, Dave Winter, Ron Bowles, Paul Rich, Alice O�Brien, Rex Goudie, Sheldon Baikie, and Brian Bowerman.

The 2009 Labrador Winter Games will be hosted by the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and will bring together about 450 athletes and 600 volunteers from throughout Labrador during a week-long competition.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister for Labrador Affairs, said the 2009 Labrador Winter Games is the 10^th time the games have been held.

"The people selected for the board of directors are all top individuals who have demonstrated a great passion for Labrador," said Minister Hickey. "They have the skills and knowledge necessary to make the 2009 Labrador Winter Games a great success, as Labradorians from all over gather at this premier event for a fantastic celebration of sport and culture."

Minister Jackman noted that supporting the Labrador Games is one of several investments helping to meet the goals and objectives outlined in the provincial recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007).

"Budget 2008 committed $500,000 to support the 2009 Labrador Winter Games," said Minister Jackman. "The Provincial Government is committed to enhancing opportunities for the pursuit of excellence in sport and recreation as well as the promotion of active, healthy lifestyles for all residents of our province."

Many of the events, including snowshoeing, rifle shooting, dogsled racing and the seal crawl, are part of the Labrador culture.

Held every three years, the Labrador Winter Games began in 1983 as a way to promote the development of sport and recreation programs throughout the communities of Labrador; encourage, promote and enhance co-operation and understanding among all peoples of the region; and revive and encourage the development of sports and activities associated with the traditional lifestyles of the region.

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2008 08 12                                                      10:40 a.m.