Executive Council
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
August 12, 2016
Celebrating our Province's Athletes
2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games to Begin in CBS
The 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games will officially kick off in Conception Bay South this weekend and will run until August 21. The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is the largest multi-sport event for youth in the province, bringing together athletes from 11 to 18 years of age from all regions.
"The Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games is a great spectacle of competition and sportsmanship and will highlight the achievements of some of our province's top young athletes. I am pleased to see Aboriginal teams competing for the first time in this year's games. Competitive sport helps participants develop many important skills including teamwork, perseverance and leadership, which will serve them well in their future sport, academic, work and life endeavours. I extend my best wishes to all participants for a safe and enjoyable games filled with new friendships, spirited competition and fair play."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Provincial Government has invested more than $500,000 to support the 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games which will see participation from more than 1,500 athletes, coaches, officials, and managers from eight regions in the province and three Aboriginal teams.
"Supporting participation in sport is in keeping with our government's commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The athletes participating in these games are great ambassadors and provide inspiration to others to become involved in sport. These games provide the opportunity for young people to develop as athletes and as individuals, and show their provincial and regional pride."
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
While Aboriginal athletes have competed in previous Newfoundland and Labrador Games as members of regional teams, this year's games marks the first time that Aboriginal teams will compete. This initiative is a pilot program supported by the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle (ASRC), Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and provincial sport organizations. Aboriginal athletes will compete as part of one of three Aboriginal teams (Team Innu, Team Nunatsiavut and Team Mi'Kmaq) in beach volleyball and athletics. During the games, Aboriginal athletes will also be offering demonstrations of traditional Aboriginal sporting events to other athletes and participants.
"The ASRC is pleased to see that Aboriginal athletes are competing on Aboriginal teams for the first time in the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. We are excited to be involved, and look forward to participating in these and future provincial games. Our athletes will become role models for other young Aboriginal athletes in their communities, and better prepare them for competition in the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto next summer."
- Jerry Wetzel, Chair, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle
This year's games are hosted by the Town of Conception Bay South with the participation of neighbouring communities, the City of Mount Pearl and the Town of Holyrood. Tennis and athletics events will take place at venues in Mount Pearl and golf events will be played at The Willows in Holyrood.
For more information on the 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, including schedules and venues, please visit: www.nlgamescbs2016.com/
QUICK FACTS
- The 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games are taking place in Conception Bay South August 13-21.
- More than 1,500 participants from eight regions in the province and three Aboriginal teams are participating in the games.
- This year's games marks the first time that Aboriginal teams will compete. This initiative is a pilot program supported by the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and provincial sport organizations.
- The Provincial Government has invested more than $500,000 in the 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.
- The Newfoundland and Labrador Games are held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, and are co-ordinated by the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development in partnership with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and provincial sports organizations.
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Media contacts:
Michelle Cannizzaro
Media Relations Manager Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca |
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications Department Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-1928, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Jerry Wetzel
Chair Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle 709-538-7788 mgwetzel@gmail.com |
2016 08 12 4:05 p.m.