NLIS 4
May 24, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister announces Athlete Assistance Program

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today the establishment of an Athlete Assistance Program, which is designed to provide financial assistance qualifying amateur athletes who are training to represent the province at national competitions, Canada Games, or those who have been identified as potential national team members.

"This is great news for the athletes in the province and is a part of government�s continuing commitment to the development of sport and recreation," said Furey. "Government recognizes the tremendous contribution which sport and recreation makes to the province, as we develop athletes who are our representatives across the country and around the world. Newfoundland and Labrador has produced many top athletes, and this program will assist a new generation of individuals in their pursuit of athletic excellence."

Specific criteria for the program are currently being developed by the Sport and Recreation Division of the department, which will dispense $40,000 to individual athletes annually, in an effort to alleviate the financial burdens placed upon them and their families as a result of participating in sport in the province. The funding would go toward travel, training and other related expenses. The program will be offered to athletes up to and including the post-secondary level.

"Recently, the department partnered with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador in distributing $10,000 in scholarships to athletes from across the province, in an effort to lighten the great financial strains on our athletes," said Furey. "Scholarships and programs like the Athlete Assistance Program are sound financial investments in our youth and in our economy, which reaps benefits from hosting sporting events. It is a win-win situation all around."

Full details of the program, including a complete list of criteria and guidelines, will be released in the fall of this year.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 05 24                                         4:00 p.m.