Provincial athletes are being encouraged to submit applications for the 2009 Premier�s Athletic Awards, which recognize athletic excellence and provide recipients with financial assistance to be used towards the costs of training and competition.

The deadline for applications is January 12, 2009.

"This is the fifth year for this awards program, which is designed to enable our exceptional athletes to train, develop and take advantage of more opportunities to compete at the national and international level," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We want to ensure our athletes can go as far as their talent, dedication and desire will take them."

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism Culture and Recreation, said the Premier's Athletic Awards program supports the goals of Active, Healthy, Newfoundland and Labrador - A Recreation and Sport Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, which was released in April 2007.

"The recreation and sport strategy aims to provide opportunities for all athletes in this province who wish to reach their highest potential in sport performance," said Minister Jackman. "It is important that we recognize and support this pursuit of excellence."

The Premier�s Athletic Awards program is open to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are attending school (including post-secondary) and are members of a provincial sport organization recognized by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Along with other criteria, athletes must have competed, and will continue to compete, for Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canada Games or at other national and regional competitions.

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