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The following statement was issued today by Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. It was also read in the House of Assembly: I rise today to inform my Honourable colleagues and the residents of the province that applications are now available for the Premier�s Athletic Awards. This new program will build on the original concept of the former Athletic Assistance Program but will work to increase profile of the program. I am pleased to inform honourable members that the budget for the program will be increased by $25,000 from the former program, bringing the total budget to $75,000. The Premier�s Athletic Awards are designed to assist the province�s athletes by providing financial assistance to allow them to compete at the national and international levels. We recognize that competing at this level is quite costly, particularly travel costs associated with participation in various sporting events. This program will provide qualifying athletes with additional financial assistance to help offset training costs, ensuring that they are provided an opportunity to further develop their skills. The Premier�s Athletic Awards Program is open to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are registered with a Provincial Sport Organization recognized by my department. Eligible athletes must compete for Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canada Games and other national and regional competitions. Athletes must also be attending an educational institution on a full-time basis. Further information about the program can be obtained through Provincial Sport Organizations or through my department�s Web site. [//www.gov.nl.ca/tcr/links.htm] A newly established Awards Selection Committee will review all applications and rate their level of priority for assistance. The committee consists of individuals with an extensive knowledge of athletes in the province. Members include: Michelle Healey, Memorial University of Newfoundland; Todd Martin, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador; Karen Richard, School Sport Newfoundland and Labrador; and Jimmy Tee, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. I am pleased that these key stakeholders in the sports community have agreed to dedicate their time and experience to reviewing applications for the Premier�s Athletic Awards. Recipients of the Premier�s Athletic Awards will be announced in March 2005. 2004 12 13 2:50 p.m.
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