Executive Council
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
February 12, 2015

Athletic Excellence Highlighted at Canada Games

Team Newfoundland and Labrador Heads to the Canada Winter Games

The excitement is mounting as the first half of the Team Newfoundland and Labrador contingent leaves today (Thursday, February 12) for Prince George, British Columbia to compete in the 2015 Canada Winter Games, which take place February 13 to March 1. The remaining team members will depart on Saturday, February 21, for the second week of competition. TeamNL is composed of more than 220 athletes, volunteer coaches, managers and Mission staff.

"Years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice will be put to the test over the next 17 days as TeamNL competes at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. I offer my best wishes to these young men and women, along with their coaches, managers, officials and Mission staff. I have no doubt they will represent this province well at the most prestigious amateur athletic competition in the country."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

During the first week, TeamNL will compete in alpine, biathlon, men's curling, gymnastics, women's hockey, speed skating and target shooting. In the second week, athletes will compete in badminton, cross-country skiing, women's curling, figure skating, men's hockey, judo, squash, synchronized swimming and table tennis.

"As a government, we are committed to our athletes and their long-term development in sport. The Provincial Government supports our athletes through various components of the Athletic Excellence Fund, and has invested about $580,000 to enable Team Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in these Games. I wish the entire team the best of luck and much success at this exciting competition."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Canada Games were established in 1967 and Newfoundland and Labrador has been represented at every event since. The games are held every two years, alternating summer and winter. The province hosted the 1977 Canada Summer Games in St. John's and the 1999 Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook.

"As Chef de Mission for TeamNL, I am very excited about these games and the opportunity they present to all our athletes. Their drive and passion for their chosen sport has earned them a coveted place on this team. They are an inspiration to us all. A special thanks to the coaches and managers, my fellow Mission staff, and parents. Your commitment is essential and very much appreciated."
- Rod Snow, Chef de Mission, Team Newfoundland and Labrador

For photos, updates, athlete profiles and more about Team Newfoundland and Labrador and the 2015 Canada Winter Games, visit: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/teamnl and www.teamnl.ca . Follow TeamNL on Twitter at @teamnl

QUICK FACTS

• The first half of the Team Newfoundland and Labrador contingent leaves today (Thursday, February 12) for Prince George, British Columbia to compete in the 2015 Canada Winter Games, which take place February 13 to March 1. The remaining team members will depart on Saturday, February 21, for the second week of competition.
• TeamNL is composed of more than 220 athletes, volunteer coaches, managers and mission staff.
• During the first week, Team Newfoundland and Labrador will compete in alpine, biathlon, men's curling, gymnastics, women's hockey, speed skating and target shooting. In the second week, athletes will compete in badminton, cross-country skiing, women's curling, figure skating, men's hockey, judo, squash, synchronized swimming and table tennis.
• For photos, updates, athlete profiles and more about Team Newfoundland and Labrador and the 2015 Canada Winter Games, visit: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/teamnl and www.teamnl.ca . Follow TeamNL on Twitter at @teamnl .

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca	Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 Donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0585 heathermay@gov.nl.ca	Debbie Marnell Communications Specialist Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development (TeamNL - 2015 Canada Winter Games) 709-699-9048 debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

2015 02 12                              11:30 a.m.