Premier’s Athletic Awards Program is Open for Applications

Accomplished athletes throughout the province are being encouraged to apply for the Premier’s Athletic Awards Program, which recognizes athletic excellence and provides training and competition funding to athletes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Every year, elite athletes from this province achieve success on regional, provincial, national, and international levels,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “The Premier’s Athletic Awards Program recognizes the dedicated efforts of these athletes. As they continue on their journey to athletic excellence, we want to assure athletes that the Provincial Government remains committed to supporting their talent and passion for sport.”

Through this program, eligible athletes can receive grants ranging from $500 to $1,500. The deadline to submit an application is January 27, 2012.

“The amount of athletic talent in this province is incredible,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “We want these young men and women, as well as future generations of athletes, to have the opportunity, the access, and the support they will need in order to achieve their athletic potential. The Premier’s Athletic Award Program helps with this.”

The Premier’s Athletic Award Program is available to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are currently attending school (including post-secondary), and are members of a provincial sport organization recognized by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Along with other criteria, athletes must have competed, and will continue to compete, for the province at regional and national competitions, including Canada Games.

Since the Premier’s Athletic Awards Program was implemented in 2004, almost $525,000 in financial assistance has been provided to more than 400 athletes.

Athletes are asked to submit their application to their provincial sport organizations. More detailed information and the application form can be found at www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/sports/premieraa.html.

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2011 12 29             10:10 a.m.