Widely recognized as Canada�s longest and most challenging snowmobile
competition, the Cain�s Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race will reach an
even wider audience in this, its fourth year of operation, including
participation by north coast Inuit communities.
The Provincial Government has invested a total of $93,116 to assist
the host White Wolf Snowmobile Club, and the organizing committee, to
increase participation levels and to market the event to national and
international audiences. The Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development�s $68,116 investment was provided through its Regional/Sectoral
and Diversification Fund (RSDF), while the Department of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation provided $25,000 in product development support,
along with extensive assistance in all facets of the planning process.
"Tourism, and winter tourism in particular, represents a key economic
growth sector for the Labrador region," said the Honourable Shawn
Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Through
our investment, we are able to support organizers to increase awareness
of Cain�s Quest, position Labrador as a centre for winter tourism, and
therefore encourage new business opportunities."
A total of 31 teams have registered for this year�s race including 16
from outside the province. Teams are represented from across
Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, as well as from
the American states of Maine, New Hampshire, Idaho and Minnesota.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, is encouraged by the growth of this
internationally-recognized adventure tourism event.
"As Cain�s Quest increases in popularity each year, it has come to
epitomize the winter adventure tourism experience," said Minister
Jackman. "We are encouraged by the international exposure this event has
received, in that it furthers our goal to promote Newfoundland and
Labrador as a premier snowmobile destination. In fact, teams from
Norway, Sweden, Finland and France have already made inquiries about
participating in the 2010 Cain�s Quest event."
The race, navigated by teams of two, spans about 2,300 kilometres
over the course of a week (March 14-21), beginning in Labrador
City/Wabush. It then heads through the northern country to Churchill
Falls, through Makkovik, Postville, Rigolet and then to
Happy-Valley-Goose Bay before returning to Labrador City. The event
involves communities, snowmobile clubs, along with the Government of
Nunatsiavut and encompasses all regions of western and central Labrador.
"It is a tremendous achievement to expand Cain�s Quest to include
Inuit communities," said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs, who will travel to the communities of Postville and
Makkovik March 15 and 16 to welcome participants. "The inclusion of
Aboriginal communities in this sporting event will add to the spirit of
healthy competition and further establish Cain�s Quest as a celebration
of Labrador cultures and traditions. I applaud the Nunatsiavut
Government for their decision to become a sponsor of this event."
Snowmobiling among Newfoundland and Labrador�s residents has long
been a popular winter activity, with more than a quarter of the province
owning one or more snowmobiles.
"The snowmobile endurance race will serve to increase non-resident
visitation to the area and promote Labrador�s stellar winter product,"
said Jim Baker, MHA, Labrador West. "Winter tourism is a growth sector
for this region and this project will boost local business and diversify
our economic base."
The White Wolf Snowmobile Club was formed in 1997 to enhance and
develop the recreational snowmobiling industry throughout Labrador. A
major contribution of the group is the development of a groomed trail
system connecting to Quebec�s extensive trail system and the rest of
Canada. The group has groomed in excess of 450 kilometres of
high-quality trails receiving exceptional reviews from local and
out-of-province riders.
"Cain�s Quest is positioning Labrador to the rest of the world as the
place to enjoy a unique snowmobiling experience," said Pat Whiffen,
President of the White Wolf Snowmobile Club. "We are excited about the
momentum and popularity of a race that is still relatively new."
RSDF is a $5-million fund that provides non-repayable contributions
to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional
and sectoral development and diversification.
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