The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:

Sportfest Showcases Diversity of Organized Sport for Youth in the Province

I rise in this Honourable House today to acknowledge Sportsfest, organized by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme is See it, Play it, Get active! The event runs from May 12 to May 14.

Sportfest is designed to showcase a number of organized sports available to youth in the province. This three-day festival is the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will allow participants to see demonstrations and actually experience over 20 different sports. More than 5,000 young people are expected to attend.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, has provided $25,000 to support this initiative which clearly fits the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador.

Three celebrated provincial athletes have been named as the official ambassadors for Sportfest: Jamie Korab – Olympic gold-medal winning curler, Rod Snow - professional rugby player, and Michelle Healey - former MUN varsity basketball player. They’ve dedicated their lives to sport. They will be available during Sportsfest to share their love of sport with participants.

Sportfest is happening at the PowerPlex, 90 Crosbie Road in St. John’s, and is open to the public on Friday night and Saturday. General admission is $2 and a family pass is $5. You can visit the Sportfest website for more information: www.sportfestnl.ca.

2011 05 11             2:30 p.m.