Nearly 300 athletes, coaches, managers, artists and mission staff are into final preparations for the 2007 Canada Winter Games taking place February 23 to March 10 in Whitehorse, Yukon. The first contingent of athletes is scheduled to leave for the games Wednesday, February 21. The second contingent will depart Friday, March 2.

"Team Newfoundland and Labrador is comprised of great athletes representing the best this province has to offer," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism Culture and Recreation.

"Many of our athletes have been in training and preparation for more than three years to get to the Canada Winter Games. They are to be congratulated for their excellence, dedication and sacrifice."

The opening ceremonies will take place on Friday, February 23. Team NL will be led by flagbearer Luke Adam. Luke is an honours student at Gonzaga High School, was a member of Team Atlantic in the World Under 17 Hockey Championships in 2006 and plays for the St. John�s Fog Devils.

A total of 19 teams in 17 sports make up Team NL which has athletes representing all parts of the province. Accompanying the athletes under the National Artists Program will be provincial artists Jordan Bennett, Laura Campbell, Joshua Jamieson and manager Joyce Skanes. The National Artists Program brings artists from across Canada representing disciplines that include theatre, music, dance, visual and literary arts. The artists will work under the leadership of professional northern artists for a two-week residency.

During the first week of the games, Team NL will compete in badminton, biathlon, curling (female), hockey (male), judo, shooting, speed skating (short track) and synchronized swimming. In the second week, competition will commence in boxing, squash, curling (male), fencing, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey (female), alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.

"I wish our athletes the greatest success. Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to have each and every one of you as our representatives at this prestigious sporting event," said Minister Hedderson.

"I extend thanks to our many volunteers, including coaches and managers who have given up so much of their time to prepare and train our athletes to be at their absolute peak of performance. Thanks also to the parents and family of our athletes for their dedication and sacrifice in the pursuit of athletic excellence."

-30-

Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca