April 15, 2014
Athletic Excellence Takes Centre Stage
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Honours Province’s Sport Elite
The province’s sport elite – past and present – were honoured this past weekend at the 2014 Stars and Legends Awards Gala hosted by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated the award winners and the newly inducted members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
“Since 2008, the Stars and Legends Gala has honoured those dedicated to preserving and advancing the future of sport throughout the province, as well as the accomplishments of the province’s young elite athletes. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees and award winners are to be commended for their passion and commitment to sport. Their drive and perseverance is an inspiration for many emerging athletes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
The gala included the presentation of the 2013 Provincial Sports Awards in eight categories, along with the induction of six new members into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. A listing of the award winners and inductees can be found in the backgrounder below.
“The Stars and Legends Gala is an exciting event that celebrates the highest level of sporting achievement in our province. This year’s recipients are a dedicated and accomplished group of people who are not only exceptional athletes, coaches and volunteers, but are also role models among our sporting community. I’m honoured to present them with their respective awards for their outstanding contribution to sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- Rod Nicholl, President, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador
QUICK FACTS
- Sport Newfoundland and Labrador awarded the 2013 Provincial Sports Awards and inducted six new members into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
- The Provincial Government provides approximately $1.1 million in annual funding to Sport Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $7.9 million for sport and recreation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Since the launch of Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador: A Recreation and Sport Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately $192 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming and athlete development throughout the province.
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Media contacts:| Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca | Troy Croft Executive Director Sport Newfoundland and Labrador 709-576-4932 troy@sportnl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
2014 Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Hall of Fame Inductees and Award Recipients
- Colin Abbott (Softball)
- Lee Churchill (Cross-Country Skiing)
- Max Kirby (Track and Field)
- Gerry Rideout (Cross-Country Skiing)
- Andy Sullivan (Ice Hockey)
- Ray Will (Track and Field)
- Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Jillian Forsey (Cross Country)
- Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Owen Daly (Swimming)
- Team of the Year – St. John’s Under 18A Girls Soccer Team (Soccer)
- Senior Female Athlete of the Year – Malorie Harris (Soccer)
- Senior Male Athlete of the Year – Ciaran Hearn (Rugby)
- Executive of the Year – Jeff Babstock (Soccer)
- Volunteer of the Year –David Coates (Baseball)
- Coach of the Year – Jake Stanford (Soccer)
2014 04 15 9:30 a.m.