The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sailing Association will host the Newfoundland and Labrador Dinghy Championships this weekend at the Yacht Club in Long Pond.

Approximately 25 junior sailors ranging in age from 10 to 20 will compete in Optimists, Bytes, 420s and 29ers on Saturday. Included in these is Jonathon Ladha, who along with his brother Justin won a bronze medal at the Canada Games last year in London, Ontario.

Nine Newfoundland junior sailors will be traveling to Saint John, New Brunswick next week to compete at SAIL EAST. This regatta will host sailors from Quebec and the Atlantic provinces for a three day event August 1-3. The sailors range in age from 10-17 will compete in Optimists, Bytes and 29ers. Newfoundland will be hosting this event next year and is hoping to place in at least two of the classes.

Members of the team include Luke Power, Rebecca Power, Andre Simones-Re, Daniel Inkpen, Paul Baker, Kate Inkpen, Meagan Kelly, Mitch O'Rielly and Tony Green along with coach Robert Decker.

Media contact:

Todd Martin
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador
Phone (709) 576-4932
Fax (709) 576-7493
Email: tmartin@sportnf.com

2002 07 26                              11:05 a.m.