Minister Announces Towns to Host Newfoundland and Labrador Games

The Towns of Carbonear and Harbour Grace, Clarenville, and Conception Bay South have been named host communities for the next three consecutive Newfoundland and Labrador Games.

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was at the Soccer Hut in Conception Bay South today to announce that both Carbonear and Harbour Grace would jointly host the Summer Games in 2012, Clarenville will host the Winter Games in 2014, and Conception Bay South will host the Summer Games in 2016. Minister French was joined by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace; the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for Trinity North; the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and MHA for Harbour Main; Paul Davis, MHA for Topsail, and representatives from the host municipalities.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Games are highly-anticipated events which benefit the entire region where they are held, and have always proven to be a memorable experience for all involved,” said Minister French. “As a Provincial Government, we are committed to providing our athletes with opportunities to compete, develop their skills, and make new friends and memories to last a lifetime.”

Minister French also highlighted the fact that the 2012, 2014 and 2016 games mark the 20th anniversary of these towns previously hosting the games. Carbonear and Harbour Grace hosted in 1992, Clarenville in 1994 and Conception Bay South in 1996.

“The Towns of Carbonear and Harbour Grace are communities rich in sports history and will greatly benefit as co-hosts of the upcoming 2012 Games,” said Minister Kennedy. “This is a fitting way in which to mark the 20th anniversary of a very successful Summer Games co-hosted by the communities in 1992.”

“We are delighted that Clarenville will host the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games,” said Minister Wiseman. “This event will certainly provide many economic and social benefits to the Clarenville area and provide many opportunities for community involvement.”

Meanwhile, Minister French, in his capacity as MHA for Conception Bay South, said he is looking forward to the 2016 Summer Games, noting, “I have no doubt residents throughout the town appreciate the opportunity to showcase their community spirit and will put their best foot forward to make these games a huge success.”

Carbonear Mayor Sam Slade, Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs, Clarenville Mayor Fred Best, and Conception Bay South Deputy Mayor John Hicks also attended the event, and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to host the games and noted the benefits to their respective communities.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Games program was established in 1976 and is held every two years, alternating winter and summer games. Athletes from all areas of the province, ages 11-18, compete in a range of sports selected by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation in conjunction with provincial sports organizations. The games are designed to encourage participation in sport and the pursuit of excellence, as well as to promote sport, recreation and community development.

Since the release of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), support for athlete development has increased steadily from $2.5 million to more than $3.5 million. This includes grants to provincial sports organizations, increased funding for coaching and long-term athlete development initiatives, the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program, the Canada Games program, and the Premier’s Athletic Awards.

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2011 02 24             11:20 a.m.