The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today recognized the province�s most accomplished young athletes, during the 6^th annual Premier�s Athletic Awards, held at the Capital Hotel in St. John�s.

"It is an honour for me to acknowledge our province�s elite athletes � these inspirational young men and women who work so hard to reach such high levels of personal achievement," said Premier Williams. "They motivate us to pursue our goals and dreams, in all aspects of life, and to persevere despite the challenges we face each day."

More than 90 athletes from across the province, representing 28 sports, have been awarded grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to assist them with the costs associated with training at the elite level. The amount each recipient receives is dependent on the level of competition in which they are engaged and the training requirements.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said it was a pleasure to see so many of the province�s athletes continue to succeed.

"Each year, through their tireless efforts and hard work, our province�s young athletes continue to excel in their individual sports," said Minister Jackman. "It is vital that sport in Newfoundland and Labrador is promoted and encouraged, and that we continue to nurture the exceptional athletic talent that exists throughout our province."

Minister Jackman noted that the Provincial Government continues to build on the support provided to the recreation and sport sectors through the province�s recreation and sport strategy: Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007).

"Budget 2009 commits an additional $875,000 to improve existing sport and recreation initiatives, and to develop new ones, bringing the total new investment in recreation and sport programming to $3.3 million in 2009-10," said Minister Jackman.

Today�s event included the presentation of Team Gushue Scholarship Awards, valued at $5,000 each, to track and field athlete Ryan Brockerville of Mount Pearl and to Rebecca Power of St. John�s, who participates in the sport of competitive sailing. Applications for the Team Gushue Scholarship Awards, which were first awarded in 2007, are made through the Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program.

Mr. Brockerville is a Marystown native who competes for Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C., while in his second year of education studies. This past year, he competed at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Nationals in Kenosha, Washington, where he finished in the top 30.