The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games Host Committee, and all those involved in the organization of the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games, held March 20-27.　

"The atmosphere at these games was very positive, and the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee and approximately 600 volunteers made it all possible," said Minister French. "Whether it was from the athletes competing, or the spectators watching, you could feel the excitement and sense of pride all around you. The Provincial Government is committed to providing opportunities for our young athletes to compete at the provincial, national and international levels, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program is one way in which we are encouraging our young people to develop an interest in sport, take part in physical activity, and enabling our talented athletes to reach their highest potential in sport performance."

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans, said the feedback received from visitors to the games has been extremely complimentary.

"The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is being hailed as "the host with the most" for its efforts in organizing and hosting the games," said Minister Sullivan. "Congratulations to all the organizers, volunteers and participants for making the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Games a rousing success."

"I am pleased that the 2010 Winter Games were such a success," said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Green Bay South. "I would like to thank all the participants and volunteers for making it so successful and enjoyable. The economic spin-off was great for many businesses in our town and surrounding areas."　

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides an additional $350,000 to support athlete development in Newfoundland and Labrador, including support to the Newfoundland and Labrador Games and Canada Games programs.　

Since the introduction of the province's recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), the Provincial Government has invested $8.8 million in new funding to support sport development, coaching and long-term athlete development initiatives.

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