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

Clarenville Winter Games Touted a Success

Mr. Speaker, for 38 years, the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program has encouraged participation in sport and the pursuit of excellence. As the largest multi-sport event for youth in the province, it brings together athletes 11 to 18 years of age to compete for the Premier’s Cup. The event is made possible through a collaborative effort from the Provincial Government, Sport NL, a host committee and provincial sport organizations.

The 2014 Winter Games were held in Clarenville from March 1 to 9, and drew 1,400 athletes, coaches and staff from eight regions of the province and St. Pierre and Miquelon. The participants competed in 11 sports such as alpine skiing, basketball, cross-country skiing, figure skating, gymnastics and hockey. Our government invested more than $500,000 in the 2014 games to offset operating costs and assist with travel expenses.

The games ended with Labrador leading the medal count at 22, while the Western region had the highest number of gold medals at 13. The Premier’s Cup, awarded to the region accumulating the highest number of points, was presented to the Western team. Both the Sport NL trophy for the team showing the most improvement from one games to the next, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Award celebrating sportsmanship and spirit, were presented to the host team of Clarenville.

Mr. Speaker, these games promote the achievements of some of our province’s top young athletes, and play a significant role in our efforts to achieve an active and healthy population. They also contribute to the development of sport and create opportunities for our aspiring athletes. These objectives would not be realized without the many coaches, managers, volunteers and parents committed to ensuring the Newfoundland and Labrador Games are always a success for everyone involved. Their time, knowledge and skills are an essential part of these young athletes’ achievements.

I would like to congratulate the Town of Clarenville and the host committee who truly demonstrated their ability to host large-scale sporting events. Some of their most notable accomplishments were the provision of nutritionist-approved food options for the athletes, and the creation of a world-class giant slalom course that could rival Olympic venues.

Mr. Speaker, participants in the Newfoundland and Labrador Games attain a level of excellence because of their passion for sport, tireless hours of hard work and a determination to be the best at their respective sport. I encourage all athletes to take that perseverance a step further, as they prepare for the next Summer Games which will be held in Conception Bay South in 2016.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2014 03 13                                     1:55 p.m.