NLIS 5
August 22, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Minister congratulates Team Newfoundland and Labrador on performance at 2005 Canada Games

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley today congratulated members of Team Newfoundland and Labrador on their performance at the 2005 Canada Games which took place in Regina, Saskatchewan from August 6-20. Team Newfoundland and Labrador took home a total of eight medals � four silver and four bronze � exceeding the medal count at the 2001 Canada Summer Games.

�Athletes who have the opportunity to compete at the Canada Games experience an increased level of competition that enhances skill development, with many of our athletes achieving their personal best at the games,� said Minister Shelley. �Many of these athletes will look to the Canada Games experience as a highlight of their athletic career. In addition, most athletes will have developed friendships with other athletes competing at this event from across the country which they will carry throughout their lives.�

Team Newfoundland and Labrador won a total of eight medals at the 2005 Canada Games. The team won silver medals in Women�s Pairs Rowing (Ashley Peach and Laura Rice), representing the first medal in rowing since 1989, while Katarina Roxon, Kristie Lee LaBlond and Katie Woodford won silver medals in swimming, wrestling and athletics (javelin) respectively. The Men�s Eight Rowing Team and the Men�s Softball Team each won bronze medals. Jonathon Ladha and Daniel Inkpen won a bronze medal in sailing, while Wesley Saunders won a bronze in wrestling.

�I am extremely proud of the Team Newfoundland and Labrador contingent,� said Minister Shelley. �During their time in Regina, Newfoundland and Labrador athletes not only demonstrated their ability to compete against the best in the country, but were also great ambassadors for the province both on and off the playing field.�

The minster also congratulated the four artists from the province, part of a contingent of 52 from across the country, on their performance in The Seven Deadly Sins, on Friday evening at the Saskatchewan Centre for the Arts. The National Artist Program is an important element of the Canada Games and one which enhances appreciation for the artistic pursuit of excellence and innovation within the context of a major sporting event.

The Team Newfoundland and Labrador contingent was comprised of 375 athletes, coaches, managers, National Artist participants and mission staff representing a total of 18 teams competing in 14 sports.

Minister Shelley extended his congratulations and thanks to the 19 members of the Team Newfoundland and Labrador mission staff for their commitment and hard work leading up to and during the Canada Games.

�I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of coaches and managers for their contribution to the athletes� level of success and to athletes� parents for their support and guidance,� said Minister Shelley. �It was evident in watching our athletes compete at the games that their parents and coaches were an important part of their success.�

The 2005 Canada Games is the largest multi-sport event in Canada involving over 4,000 athletes, coaches, managers and National Artist Program participants.

Media Contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741 or tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2005 08 22                         4:30 p.m.


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