Tourism, Culture and Recreation
August 19, 2012
2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Are Underway
The sporting spirit is alive and well in Carbonear and Harbour Grace as the towns host the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. The games officially opened yesterday (Saturday, August 18) with remarks from the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to support the 2012 Games and the host towns of Harbour Grace and Carbonear,” said Premier Dunderdale. “These games represent the spirit of competition, the joy of achievement and the challenge of excellence. They will promote the accomplishments of our province’s top young athletes, showcase the host towns, and contribute to the economy of the region.”
The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program encourages participation in sport and the pursuit of excellence, as well as the promotion of recreation and community development.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is a hub of multi-sport competition in the province, inviting participation from athletes, parents, coaches, managers, volunteers, and communities throughout the province,” said Minister Dalley. “Good luck to everyone involved with the games, particularly our young athletes.”
Over 1,300 participants from eight regions in the province, as well as Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, are participating in the games, which run until August 25.
Carbonear and Harbour Grace previously hosted the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in 1992.
“The Carbonear and Harbour Grace area is rich in sports history,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace. “The games celebrate what we have accomplished in the past, as demonstrated by the lighting of the games torch on Saturday evening by Stanley Cup Champion Danny Cleary and Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Korab. As well, the games leave a legacy for our children with regards to improvements made in infrastructure.”
Athletes from all areas of the province, ages 11-18, compete in a range of sports at the Newfoundland and Labrador Games, which are held every two years, alternating winter and summer, and coordinated by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation in conjunction with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and provincial sports organizations.
The Provincial Government has committed $370,000 to the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, including $200,000 to offset operating costs and $170,000 to cover transportation and travel costs of all the participating athletes, coaches, officials, and managers. As well, $876,000 has been provided to upgrade and repair sports facilities in Carbonear and Harbour Grace.
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.
For more information on the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games,
including schedules and venues, please visit:
www.nlgames.ca/ 
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Media contacts:
| Lynn Hammond Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 lynnhammond@gov.nl.ca |
Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 631-8477 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
| Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Tracy Shute Executive Assistant to the Honourable Jerome Kennedy MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace 709-729-4746 tracyshute@gov.nl.ca |
2012 08 19 10:00 a.m.