Cain’s Quest a Thrilling Showcase for Extreme Sport in Labrador

I rise to inform Honourable Members of a unique and thrilling sporting event that continues to attract international attention to Labrador – the Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race.

For countless generations, Labradorians have travelled throughout the Big Land to trap and hunt, and to gather supplies and provisions. Today, the region provides adventurers worldwide an opportunity like no other to celebrate this proud heritage in a contest that is exciting, challenging, and gruelling in the extreme – a true test of the human spirit in the Labrador wild; one that serves as a tribute to the men and women who walked this land before us.

The Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race is a 2,300 kilometre contest that takes competitors on a course through some of the toughest, most rugged and breathtakingly beautiful terrain in existence. It was pleasing to see so many competitors from North America, and even as far away as France, take part in the competition. A total of 26 teams participated, also featuring a strong representation from Labrador. Starting from Labrador City-Wabush, racers headed to Schefferville, Quebec, Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, back to Churchill Falls before returning to Labrador City.

With every race there is a winner, and each competitor should be proud for taking part in such a challenging competition. Robert Gardner and Rich Knipping of Maine were this year’s winners. The finish was indeed exhilarating, with the first and second-place teams only minutes apart. I was particularly pleased to see the Labrador West team of brothers Gary and Chris Travers place second, even after an accident at Churchill Falls caused some bruised ribs for Gary; congratulations gentlemen on a very fine showing – all of Newfoundland and Labrador congratulates you.

An event of this calibre is a tremendous undertaking that takes months of co-ordinated planning and preparation. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to partner with the Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race event. Our investment of $130,000 is assisting Cain’s Quest to showcase Labrador far beyond our provincial borders both for extreme sports and adventure tourism.

This world-class competition continues to break new ground for extreme sporting in Labrador.

2011 03 22                                                                 2:05 p.m.