Host sites chosen for province's 2000 Summer Games and 2002 Winter Games

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today that the City of Mount Pearl has been chosen as the host site for the 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games and Gander has been chosen as the host site for the 2002 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. Minister Furey says he is very pleased with the continued growing interest by communities to host the games and that all submissions were very well presented.

"The high caliber of the submissions we received for the Summer and Winter Games speaks volumes to the level of ability and community support present to host these types of major sporting events in the province," said Furey. "The provincial games continue to be an important event for the young people of our province to participate in a multi-sport competition, meet new friends and to challenge themselves to excel in their chosen sport."

"I am absolutely thrilled with the decision for Mount Pearl to host the 2000 Summer Games," said Julie Bettney, MHA for the District of Mount Pearl. "We have an excellent volunteer base and tremendous community support that will go a long way in helping to make these games an overwhelming success."

Ms. Bettney noted that Mount Pearl has considerable experience in hosting major events. "The 1988 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games were a great success because of the strong support from the community. With over 1500 volunteers, our young athletes, their families and friends enjoyed very memorable games. We expect to have the same enthusiastic support for the 2000 games."

Sandra Kelly, MHA for the District of Gander, said: "The Town of Gander put a great deal of effort into their proposal to host the 2002 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. I am very pleased that the Winter Games will be returning to Gander for the first time since 1978 when Gander co-hosted the Winter Games with Grand Falls. There is a great deal of support for this proposal within the community, the area has continued to develop the infrastructure required to support these games and the tremendous volunteer base in the community will help to ensure success."

The decision for the location of these games was based on a number of criteria including the ability of the community to host all of the sports identified for the games program, and its ability to provide accommodations and eating arrangements for the over 1000 athletes, coaches and officials.

Minister Furey noted: "It is the continued support and pride of the many volunteers and athletes around the province that makes these games such a tremendous success. I commend all communities for their efforts for submitting such quality proposals."

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