The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will be in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Sunday, March 7, to officially open the 2010 Labrador Winter Games. Minister French will be joined by the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. The event takes place at the E.J Broomfield Memorial Arena, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

"The Labrador Winter Games are a positive experience for participants, a promotion of the benefits of competitive sport and physical activity, and a true celebration of the unique Labrador culture," said Minister French. "The event also incorporates a sense of pride in community, along with the recognition of Labrador's distinct and diverse cultures."

From March 7-13, more than 400 participants from 25 communities throughout Labrador will compete in contemporary sport and traditional skill competitions such as dog sledding and snowshoeing, while also enjoying a variety of cultural activities.

"The Labrador Winter Games provide an opportunity for Labradorians to gather from all over this vast land to celebrate sports and culture in a way that is truly unique," said the Minister Hickey. "These games are Labrador's premier sporting event; they showcase our love of sport and our exceptional cultural diversity. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to continue to support this event and also acknowledges the exceptional work of the more than 500 volunteers who are making this showcase of Labrador sport and culture a great success."

"After seeing the recent outstanding showcase by Canada's Aboriginal peoples at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, which featured Aboriginal people from this province, Labrador's Aboriginal groups now have an opportunity to showcase their cultures and traditions by participating in our own Labrador Winter Games," said Minister Pottle. "This is a special event that allows us to gather our diverse peoples and cultures together, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike, and I encourage all participants to make every effort to experience all that these games have to offer."　

Since 1983 the Labrador Winter Games have promoted the development of sport and recreation programs in Labrador communities, encouraged, promoted and enhanced co-operation and understanding among different cultures represented in the region, and revived participation in sports and activities associated with traditional lifestyles.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provided $500,000 to support the 2010 Labrador Winter Games. For more information about the games please visit: www.labradorwintergames.ca/2010/ 

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