Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
August 1, 2011
Labrador Athletes Benefit from Increased Travel Subsidy
During an event held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay earlier today, the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, released the details of the Provincial Government’s Labrador Travel Subsidy Program, enabling approximately 1,500 athletes, teams and individuals in Labrador to travel to the island portion of the province each year to participate in athletic competitions and training camps. The program received an increase of $200,000 in Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador. With this year’s increase, the total annual investment in the program is $750,000.
“Enhancing athletic excellence and broadening access are key directions of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy, Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister French. “This increase will enable eligible sport teams to receive more money to offset the cost of team and athlete air travel. Sport is a very important aspect of our society and young residents of Newfoundland and Labrador should receive the opportunity to participate and compete equally without the impediment of high travel costs.”
In addition to offsetting the high cost of travel for Labrador athletes and teams, the Labrador Travel Subsidy Program includes a hosting grant for provincial championships within Labrador to help with the cost of teams coming from the island to Labrador to compete in provincial competitions.
As a result of this year’s increased investment and the continuing support for coaching advancement, a 75 per cent travel subsidy is now available for coaches and officials who are looking for the opportunity to attend recognized sport coaching development programs.
“Increased funding to the Labrador Travel Subsidy is a stated commitment in the Northern Strategic Plan,” said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. “This substantial increase to $750,000 annually will see more Labrador athletes than ever before provided with the opportunity to pursue excellence in athletic competition. This investment also supports the plan’s goal of accessible and effective programs and services that reflect the unique challenges facing Labrador communities.”
In addition, Minister French announced $8, 800 in funding for the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, through the Provincial Government’s Capital Grant Program. The funding will be used to assist with the costs associated with upgrading the ski trail.
“Provincial Government funding for this popular community ski club will help improve the facility and support their efforts to increase participation and physical activity for all area residents,” added Minister French.
For more information about the Labrador Travel Subsidy or the Capital Grant Program, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/sports/index.html.
Budget 2011 provides $11.5 million to support recreation and sport in the province. Since the launch of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.
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Media contacts:
| Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1674, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
2011 08 01 11:55 a.m.