The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Premier Recognizes Young Athletes Through Awards Program

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting the 9th Annual Premier’s Athletic Awards, and was delighted to recognize some outstanding young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The youth receiving these awards represent some of the most dedicated, focused and committed people in our province, whose current accomplishments indicate many great things to come, both in sport and in life.

So I was proud, Mr. Speaker, to present 97 exceptional athletes from Newfoundland and Labrador with more than $71,000. Each year, the Premier’s Athletic Awards Program provides grants to assist young athletes with the costs of training and competition at the elite level.

In addition to these awards, target shooter Justin Hearn of St. Joseph’s and swimmer Katarina Roxon of Stephenville each received a Team Gushue Scholarship Award valued at $5,000. These awards were developed in honour of Team Gushue’s Gold Medal win at the 2006 Winter Olympics. They are presented annually to a young man and a young woman who have accomplished athletic and academic excellence. I was pleased that Brad Gushue was available to join me to present these awards.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government is committed to providing our athletes with opportunities to reach their highest potential in their chosen sport. Since the Premier’s Athletic Awards Program was established in 2005, almost $600,000 has been provided to support the continued development of athletic excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I congratulate all of this year’s awards recipients and I wish them the best of luck for future success. Thank you.

2012 05 17             1:50 p.m.