NOTE TO EDITORS: First annual Premier's Athletic Awards reception, April 27, St. John�s

Premier Danny Williams will host the first annual Premier's Athletic Awards at 4:00 p.m., today (Wednesday, April 27) at the Holiday Inn, St. John's. Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

The Premier's Athletic Awards are designed to assist the province's elite athletes by providing financial assistance to support them while competing at the Atlantic, national and international levels. A total of 95 athletes from all over Newfoundland and Labrador will be recognized this year.

Media representatives are invited to attend.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500 or elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 04 27                                  10:50 a.m.