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

Sportfest Encourages Youth to Get Involved in Sport and Physical Activity

I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight Sportfest 2012 taking place at the Techniplex in Pleasantville from May 10 to 12.

This is the second year for Sportfest, a fun-filled, interactive sports festival hosted by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. Sportfest is a great way for youth from Kindergarten to Grade 9 to try a wide variety of sports and other physical activities.

Last year’s inaugural event was a great success with 30 interactive booths and participation from almost 5,000 people, including 3,200 students. The goal of this year’s festival is to once again help inspire our young people and get them moving in the right direction towards a more physically active life.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government is partnering with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador for Sportfest and contributing $25,000 to support this event. We are committed to encouraging young people in this province to get involved in sport and fitness, and to lead active, healthy lifestyles.

In addition to Sportfest, our work in promoting participation in recreation, sport, and physical activity among young people continues with a number of initiatives.

For example, the after school physical activity pilot project is providing young people in Grades 4 to 9 with opportunities to be more active after school. Twenty-five school and community partnerships are working together to get kids moving and having fun through such activities as swimming, bowling, and outdoor activities.

The inaugural Women in Sport Conference hosted by School Sport Newfoundland and Labrador this past weekend at Memorial University provided education and professional development for high school students and adults interested in the subject of physical activity, recreation, and sport for females.

In addition, the over 40 provincial sports organizations we support provide opportunities for participation in sport for thousands of young people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sportfest is open to the public on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All are welcome to visit and experience some of the great activities and sports demonstrations, including tennis, bowling, curling and much more.

2012 05 08             1:50 p.m.