Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 17, 2011

The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

2011 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games

The 2011 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games are taking place this coming weekend in Corner Brook.

These Provincial Games will bring nearly 200 athletes, coaches and mission staff to the city to compete in the sports of floor hockey, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Teams from across the province will travel to Corner Brook from Feb 18 to 20 for the opportunity to compete and be part of this monumental moment.

Winter provincial championships are hosted annually however this year's competition holds extra significance. These games will be used to select Team Newfoundland and Labrador that will be representing the province at the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in St. Albert, Alberta, in February 2012. This opportunity comes only once every four years so all athletes have been training hard in preparation for this opportunity.

“Although the opportunity to represent their province at national games is a big motivator for our athletes the opportunity to travel outside their community and meet new friends is just as important.” says Nelson White, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Executive Director “Special Olympics provide individuals with an intellectual disability an opportunity to take the spotlight and achieve through sport. Provincial Games are the pinnacle for the majority of our athletes on many levels so we are thrilled to be able to provide them with that opportunity.”

The opening ceremony will be held Friday, February 18, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Corner Brook High School in the gymnasium. Dignitaries will be in attendance to officially open the games after receiving the games flame from the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Games Schedule

Friday, February 18
Opening Ceremony; Corner Brook High School
7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Opening Ceremony

Saturday, February 19
Floor Hockey - Corner Brook High School Gym
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Round Robin Play
4:00 p.m. - Gold Medal Game

Snowshoeing; Blow Me Down Ski Resort
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Divisioning
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Finals

Cross Country Skiing: Blow Me Down Ski Resort
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Divisioning
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Finals

Banquet; Corner Brook High School (Private Event)
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Banquet

Sunday, February 20
Snowshoeing; Blow Me Down Ski Resort
8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Finals

11:00 a.m. Closing

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an intellectual disability through sport. It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 550 athletes of all ages and abilities. There are currently 13 community-based clubs that offer sport programs. Through sport Special Olympics offers athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community

For more information about the provincial games and Special Olympics programs please visit www.sonl.ca  or contact Executive Director Nelson White.

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Media contact:
Nelson White
Executive Director
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
50 Pippy Place, Suite 16B
St. John’s, NL A1H 4H7
709-690-8335
Fax: 709-738-0119
Website: www.sonl.ca

2011 02 17                                                        11:10 a.m.