Tourism, Culture and Recreation
July 8, 2014

2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Open Today

Minister Wishes Team Newfoundland and Labrador Well at Special Olympics Summer Games

A contingent of more than 50 athletes and support staff from across the province are participating in the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia, July 8-12.

“Our government is proud to support Special Olympics programs and services. For over 29 years, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador has enhanced the lives of individuals in our province living with an intellectual disability through sporting opportunities. Competing in these games is a great accomplishment, and I wish Team Newfoundland and Labrador all the best as they represent our province. I commend them for their dedication and hard work to reach this level of competition.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Athletes will participate in athletics, five-pin bowling, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and swimming.

The Provincial Government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, provides approximately $25,000 in annual funding to Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador. The province will host the 2016 Special Olympic Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, and the Provincial Government has committed $500,000 to support the initiative.

To find out more information about the Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympics program and updates on the summer games, visit www.sonl.ca EXTERNAL.

QUICK FACTS

  • A contingent of more than 50 athletes and support staff from across the province are participating in the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, being held in Vancouver, British Columbia, July 8-12.
  • The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, provides approximately $25,000 in annual funding to Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • The 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will take place in Corner Brook, with the Provincial Government providing $500,000 to support the initiative.
  • 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 contact:

Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca

2014 07 08                                       2:35 p.m.