Increased investment in sport and recreation

Government recognizes the important role that participation in sport and recreational activities plays in ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity also contributes to the social and economic aspects of community and individual life. Budget 2005 provides new funding to support the continued development of opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in organized sport and recreational activities.

"Physical inactivity is a major concern for this government and for all involved in the development and delivery of recreation and sport programs in the province and we are committed to providing opportunities for increased participation," said Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley. "New initiatives in Budget 2005 will build on our continuing partnership with the federal government through Sport Canada on a bilateral agreement. These agreements provide opportunities for young people in junior high school and in rural areas to benefit from participation in sport."

Provincial Training Centre
Government will provide $1.3 million over two years towards the future development of a new Provincial Training Centre in St. John�s to support provincial and Canada Games athletes and teams with their training and competition requirements. Government�s contribution is based on a proposal advanced by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland Rugby Union for the construction of a new facility through a public/private partnership. The total estimated cost for the project is $4.3 million. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is the first funding partner to confirm its investment for the project.

The new Provincial Training Centre will be located on the grounds of the Swiler�s Rugby pitch and will build on existing infrastructure, offering greater value for the total money invested. The new centre will meet the training needs for both provincial and Canada Games athletes and rugby expansion needs, while providing a venue for many sport tourism opportunities, such as hosting national tournaments.

Labrador Winter Games
Government will provide $500,000 in Budget 2005 to support the 2006 Labrador Winter Games. Held every three years, the Labrador Winter Games began in 1982 as a way to promote the development of sport and recreation programs throughout the communities of Labrador; encourage, promote and enhance cooperation and understanding among all peoples of the region; and revive and encourage the development of sports and activities associated with the traditional lifestyles of the region.

The 2006 Labrador Winter Games will bring together approximately 450 athletes and involve approximately 1,000 volunteers from all communities of Labrador during a week-long competition. Many of the events, including snowshoeing, rifle shooting, dog sled racing and the seal crawl, are part of the Labrador culture. Government recognizes the unique opportunity presented by the games, to mobilize Labrador as a community and to enhance the pride and culture of Labrador. (See News Release - Budget 2005 affirms commitments to Labrador development)

Community Recreation Grants Program
Government recognizes that participation in sport and recreational activities begins in communities. Budget 2005 will include an additional $100,000 for the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation�s Community Recreation Grants Program, providing increased opportunity for communities to receive grants for minor capital improvements to community based recreational equipment or infrastructure. This effectively brings the total budget for the program to $327,000. Approximately 220 communities are successful in receiving funding each year through the existing program.

Annual World Cup Triathlon, Corner Brook
Government will provide $150,000 in Budget 2005 to the Corner Brook Triathlon Committee to support the hosting of the Annual World Cup Triathlon. The event involves 900 athletes, including over 350 children, attracting over 20,000 spectators. Over the five days of activity, the event contributes $2 million to the economy of Western Newfoundland.

"These investments by government complement existing programs and services in the area of sport and recreation and will form a bridge to a longer term strategy, which the department intends to pursue," said Minister Shelley.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741

2005 03 21                      2:55 p.m.