Tourism, Culture and Recreation
January 24, 2014

Investment in Sport is an Investment in Communities and Families

2016 Special Olympics National Games Receive $500,000

The City of Corner Brook has been selected to host the Special Olympics Canada 2016 Winter Games, and the Provincial Government has committed $500,000 to support the initiative. The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the announcement today in Corner Brook at an event hosted by Special Olympics Canada.

“Special Olympics Canada is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Canadians living with an intellectual disability through sport, and I am delighted to be here today to announce our $500,000 commitment to the games slated for Corner Brook in 2016. In our province, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador serves more than 600 people with intellectual disabilities and provides them the opportunity to engage in many sporting activities that include provincial and Canada games. One of the key objectives of our recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador, is to increase opportunities for participation, particularly by those in under-represented groups.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Taking place March 1–7, the 2016 games will be the first national Special Olympics competition hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador. The event will host approximately 1,000 athletes, coaches and mission staff participating in seven sporting competitions including snowshoeing, curling, floor hockey, figure skating, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.

“Hosting these games will be a first for our province, and I am extremely happy that Corner Brook was chosen for this event. Special Olympics Canada encourages people from all types of backgrounds and experiences to come together and share goals that foster personal growth, and our government is very supportive of initiatives which promote overall wellness. I know I echo the sentiments of the people of this region, as well as all regions of the province, when I say we are looking forward to the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games!”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber East

The 2016 games logo was also unveiled at the event and reflects both the terrain of western Newfoundland and the spirit of the Special Olympics athletes.

“Hosting the 2016 national games is a wonderful opportunity, not only for the west coast, but for Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole. Such an event will provide athletes and their families, coaches, volunteers, community groups and corporate sponsors with a wonderful sense of involvement and achievement. As a former educator, I have always supported special Olympians and continue to do so. I am so pleased to see this support from the Provincial Government. It is a great day."
- Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has committed $500,000 to support the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games taking place in Corner Brook from March 1-7, 2016.
• The 2016 games will be the first national Special Olympics competition (summer or winter) hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador, and will include approximately 1,000 athletes, coaches and mission staff participating in seven sporting competitions.
• There are more than 34,000 Special Olympic athletes in Canada.
• Since the launch of Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador: A Recreation and Sport Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately $172 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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2014 01 24                            1:20 p.m.