Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Executive Council
March 16, 2012
Cain’s Quest a World-Class Endurance Race
Attracting snowmobilers and spectators from around the world, Cain’s Quest will once again showcase Labrador as a premium winter tourism destination. With the support of $101,408 from the Provincial Government, Canada’s longest and most challenging snowmobile endurance race will begin tomorrow (Saturday, March 17), in Labrador City. Today’s announcement brings the Provincial Government’s total investment in the annual event to over $500,000.
“Snowmobile and winter tourism is synonymous with economic and business development opportunities,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Since its inception in 2006, this race has experienced substantial growth in terms of global participants, spectators, and media coverage. This increase in popularity has had a tremendous impact on the local business community. From hotels to restaurants, gas stations and supply stores, Cain’s Quest continues to rev the economic engine of Labrador in the winter season.”
A record total of 35 teams from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and the United States will compete for a $70,000 prize purse and the title of 2012 Cain’s Quest champion. Running from March 17 to 24, the race will cover a distance of over 2,800 kilometres through the harsh elements and varying terrain of Labrador, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik and Quebec.
“Over the past six years, Cain’s Quest has become one of the province’s most highly-anticipated winter sporting events,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “It is easy to see why dedicated riders from all over the globe are keen to race in this competition year after year. Filled with rugged terrain and non-stop excitement, the event is a great example of the adventurous activity residents and visitors can expect to experience in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Of the Provincial Government’s investment, the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development is providing $76,408, while the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is contributing $25,000.
“An event of this calibre attracts international attention and I am very pleased that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is once again a proud sponsor and the largest funding contributor,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “Cain’s Quest is an experience of a lifetime for competitors and spectators alike and I am particularly pleased to see from Labrador City, our first female competitor racing this year.”
The White Wolf Snowmobile Club was formed in 1997 to enhance and develop the recreational snowmobiling industry throughout western Labrador. A major contribution of the group is the development of a groomed trail system connecting to Quebec’s trail network and the rest of Canada. The group grooms in excess of 450 kilometres of high-quality trails, receiving exceptional reviews from local and out-of-province riders. The organization will once again work with the Cain’s Quest organizing committee to plan and execute this year’s event.
“Funding from the Provincial Government has been instrumental in the execution of this world class event which has given the province widespread exposure throughout the snowmobiling world,” said Todd Kent, Co-Chair, Cain’s Quest Committee. “Cain’s Quest is now recognized as one of the biggest snowmobiling events on the globe. Support received from the province and the over 300 volunteers has made this possible.”
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 DianaQuinton@gov.nl.ca |
| Carol Ann Carter Director of Communications Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Labrador Affairs 709-729-1674, 631-9505 carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca |
Todd Kent Co-Chair Cain’s Quest Committee 709-944-5013 |
2012 03 16 1:30 p.m.