Host sites chosen for province�s 2004 Summer Games and 2006 Winter Games

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced today the 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games will take place on the Burin Peninsula with Marystown as the host community. The minister is also pleased to announce that the Humber Valley will be the site for the 2006 Winter Games, with Deer Lake as the host community. She is very encouraged by the continued interest from all areas of the province in hosting the games and the high quality of the proposals submitted.

"Our provincial games are an important event for the young people of our province. It is an opportunity for them to participate in their chosen sport, encounter new friends and challenge themselves to reach their personal bests," said Minister Bettney. "We received a high caliber of submissions for both the Summer and Winter Games and I am extremely impressed with the level of community support exhibited within the proposals."

Minister Judy Foote, MHA for Grand Bank, Minister Percy Barrett, MHA for Bellevue, and Mary Hodder, MHA for Burin-Placentia West, are delighted that the 2004 Summer Games will take place in Marystown. Ms. Hodder praised the hard work and dedication that went into developing the Marystown proposal. "Since hosting the event in 1980, the area has continued to develop both its infrastructure and its tremendous volunteer base. We have the recipe that will ensure a successful games," said Ms. Hodder. "These games will bring significant benefits to the entire region and provide an excellent opportunity for our athletes to showcase their abilities."

Minister Rick Woodford, MHA for Humber Valley, Minister Robert Mercer, MHA for Humber East, and Eddie Joyce, MHA for Bay of Islands, are all extremely pleased that the Humber Valley will host the 2006 Winter Games.

"We have three years to complete preparations to ensure that the best services are offered to all participants," said Minister Woodford. "We have great facilities such as our bowling alley and swimming pool that will add significantly to the games experience for these young athletes. The games will serve to enhance the tourism potential for many years to come."

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 1,000 athletes, coaches and officials.

Minister Bettney noted: "It is the continued support and pride of the many volunteers and athletes around the province that make these games such a tremendous success. I commend all of the communities who bid to host these games."

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2003 04 17                                         4:50 p.m.