Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador Shares
Vision of Recreation and Sport Accessible to All

Recreation and sport are essential ingredients in our health, quality of life and culture. Today, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, launched the province�s first recreation and sport strategy during an assembly at Vanier Elementary in St. John�s.

Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador fulfills the Williams Government�s commitment in the 2006 Speech from the Throne to develop "a Recreation and Sport Strategy�that will look at the issues, the opportunities and the directions we must take to support recreation and sport throughout Newfoundland and Labrador." The strategy was unveiled following a demonstration of physical activity by children and guests, including special guest, four-time Olympic champion Silken Laumann.

"We all share a vision of a stronger, sustainable, self-reliant Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We all know the role that recreation, sport and physical activity play in the social and economic health of ourselves and our communities. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador shares the vision of recreation and sport available and accessible to all, and with no one left behind."

Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador demonstrates how recreation and sport fit into and contribute to the Provincial Government�s broader goal of improving the health status and advancing the development of Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2007 includes $2.39 million in new funding for recreation and sport initiatives, for a total allocation of $4.93 million.

"If we want to be active and healthy, we have to encourage activities and behaviours that contribute to overall health and wellbeing in our schools, our neighbourhoods and communities," said Minister Hedderson. "This strategy points the way to encourage participation and partnership with government, volunteers, community leaders and the private sector that focus on recreation and sport."

"We are confident that this strategy will go a long way in providing opportunities to assist groups and individuals who have a vested interest in sport within the province," said Tom Godden, president of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. "The direction that the strategy is taking is consistent with that of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador. We are trying to increase participation in physical activity at all ages and ability levels so that everyone can experience the excitement of sport along with all the benefits sport has to offer."

Investments under the strategy include $850,000 for athletes and teams to offset travel costs for training and competition. Community recreation grants have been doubled to $400,000 to allow recreation commissions across Newfoundland and Labrador to better provide recreation, sport and active living programs.

"The directions outlined in the plan will pave the way for more active and healthy communities as well as for individuals who can strive for excellence in their chosen athletic endeavours," said Gerald Wheeler, president of School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are excited about the opportunities that will now be available to the students of our province and look forward to working with the Provincial Government and all of our partners in making Newfoundland and Labrador�s sport and recreation system the best in Canada."

Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador provides increased funding to provincial organizations, including Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador, which will enable these groups to develop new and improved programs and services. Assistance will also be provided to host Atlantic, national and international championships that bring economic benefits to host communities and regions. Recognizing that recreation and sport requires up-to-date safe facilities, $1 million has been earmarked to improve sport and recreation facilities across the province.

In addition, through an agreement with the federal government, the province will work with the Provincial Aboriginal Sport Council to provide direction and support in implementing sport and recreation programs in aboriginal communities.

"Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador bodes well for recreation and certainly demonstrates that the Provincial Government has made it a high priority," said Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador President Gerry Hall. "A healthy and active lifestyle is of prime importance to everybody, especially children and older adults. Those of us who are involved as volunteers and professionals applaud government for planning to improve and expand all types of recreational opportunities."

A copy of the Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador can be found at � www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/publications/2007/active_healthyNL.pdf

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2007 05 25                                                      11:00 a.m.