Minister Announces Regional Plans to Celebrate
Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the Olympics

The spirit and enthusiasm of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be brought home to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador at four regional celebration events to be held Friday, February 26 – Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the Olympics.

"With less than two weeks to go before Canada hosts the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, we are delighted to announce plans to include our residents in the celebration of this international event," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "On February 26, St. John's, Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay will each host regional celebrations which will be family-focused, include local entertainment, and provide the opportunity for participants to watch a live feed of Newfoundland and Labrador's Victory Celebration Showcase preceding that day's medal ceremonies at BC Place in Vancouver."

Actor, writer and comedian Shaun Majumder will host the province's 30-minute showcase event from Vancouver (Victory Celebration Showcase), which will be held just prior to the medal ceremonies at BC Place that evening. There will be performances by Hey Rosetta!, The Irish Descendents, Ron Hynes, Tara Oram and the Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers. Artistic Creator Jillian Keiley has produced the program, which also includes a unique dance element led by Kelly Russell and Tonya Kearley of Pigeon Inlet Productions.

The Provincial Government has invested a total of $300,000 to support the celebration events in St. John's, Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, as well as the rights to broadcast the showcase events in Vancouver to all four regional events. Further information on the regional celebrations is included in the backgrounder below.

CTV is sponsoring the St. John's regional celebration, while event partners for the regional celebrations events in Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay are Bell Aliant, Suncor Energy, RBC and Molson Coors Canada.

For more information on Newfoundland and Labrador's involvement in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, visit: www.gov.nl.ca/2010Olympics

- 30 -

Media contact:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Regional Celebration Events for Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the Olympics

St. John's (St. John's Convention Centre and Mile One)
St. John's will host the CTV Olympic Celebration event at Mile One Centre and the St. John's Convention Centre. Mile One Centre will be open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. During that time, individuals will be able to view CTV's live Olympic Games coverage on video screens, as well as participate in interactive sports activity zones, entertainment activities, pavilions, and hospitality zones. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Joel Plaskett & The Emergency and the Sam Roberts Band will take the stage. Admission is free, but as a seated event, tickets are required. At 11:00 p.m., there will be a live broadcast of the Newfoundland and Labrador Victory Celebrations Showcase from Vancouver.

Activities at the St. John's Convention Centre will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. Local artists Karla Pilgrim and the Monday Nights will be performing on the Bell Aliant Community Stage during the event. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the convention centre will have a live feed of the Mile One Centre show (including the Newfoundland and Labrador Victory Celebration Showcase), as well as a broadcast of the men's Olympic semi-final hockey game.

Gander (Gander Community Centre)
Gander will celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador Day with a free evening concert showcasing some of the best local and regional talent in the province.

Starting at 8:00 p.m., Gander's variety show will feature the Rhonda O'Brien Dance School, the Split Peas, Exploits Jazz Band and many more. Billy and the Bruisers will be the headlining performance. At 11:00 p.m., participants can view the Newfoundland and Labrador Victory Celebration Showcase, live from Vancouver.

Corner Brook (Marble Mountain)
As part of its annual Winter Carnival festivities, Corner Brook will feature a full day of fun and interactive activities to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the Olympics.

On Friday, February 26, Sherman Downey, The Idlers and Dave McHugh will perform. Beginning at 12:00 noon, family-focused activities will include a barbecue, children's entertainment and night skiing. At 11:00 p.m. people can view the Newfoundland and Labrador Victory Celebration Showcase, live from Vancouver.


Happy Valley-Goose Bay (E.J Broomfield Memorial Arena)
Happy Valley-Goose Bay's celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the Olympics begins at 6:00 p.m. with a fireworks display.

There will be performances by the Flummies, Donna Roberts, Meshikamau and others, along with a family fun zone with a variety of activities for all ages – including free skating, mascot races, and a youth and adult hockey shoot-out. At 10:30 p.m., the community is invited to watch a special screening of the Newfoundland and Labrador Victory Celebration Showcase, live from Vancouver.

2010 02 05                           10:00 a.m.