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NLIS 1 August 7, 2004 (Executive Council) (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Premier officially launches 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games
Premier Danny Williams today officially launched the 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Marystown. The event, which runs from August 7-14, includes over 1,400 athletes, coaches and managers from all regions of the province, along with participating athletes from St. Pierre and Miquelon. The premier was joined by Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Sam Synard, Chair of the Host Committee; Bill Matthews, MP for Random - Burin - St. George's, and Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin - Placentia West. "I am delighted to be here in Marystown today to officially open the 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games," said Premier Williams. "I look forward to seeing our province's athletes showcased as they engage in lively competition in pursuit of personal and professional excellence. Marystown is no stranger to hosting sporting events and I commend the host committee, residents of Marystown and more than 900 volunteers for their efforts in organizing what promises to be a successful event." The 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games will feature nine sports, including athletics, ball hockey, baseball, beach volleyball, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and tennis. The 2004 Summer Games will feature ball hockey and slo-pitch softball as sports for the first time since the inception of the games. The premier said that while the games include sport competition, participating athletes also learn the value of skill development, the spirit of fair play and the benefits of physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle. "At a time when physical activity rates are down across the country, it is more important now than ever for government to provide opportunities for the youth of our province to engage in sport and recreational activity. The games program represents our commitment to achieving this objective," said Premier Williams. "While the overall goal of the games is participation, many athletes will go on to represent the province at Atlantic and national competitions, including the Canada Games." At the end of the week-long event, one team will receive the Premier's Cup, a prize awarded to the region accumulating the highest number of points at the games. The Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Trophy will be presented to the team demonstrating the greatest improvement over the previous games, and the Lieutenant Governor's Award is presented to the region that demonstrates the overall spirit of friendly competition and sportsmanship. The premier said the 2004 Games would not be possible without the financial support of corporate community and the efforts of coaches, managers and parents. "Corporate sponsorship is vital to the success of the games program and I commend this year's sponsors for their contribution to the program," said Premier Williams. "I also commend the efforts of coaches, managers and parents of athletes for the critical role they play in the continued development of these young athletes and the overall development of sport in the province." The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is a program of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that was initiated in 1974 as a series of regional competitions held in different locations in the province. Held every second year, alternating winter and summer, the games, the largest multi-sport event staged for youth in the province, bring together young athletes from 11 to 18 years of age from all regions of the province. The 2006 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games will be held in Deer Lake. Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 685-5500 Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928 2004 08 07 6:00 p.m.
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