The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said today that the Labrador Winter Games, originally scheduled to be held in March 2009 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, will now be held in 2010.

"The Labrador Winter Games board of directors has indicated to us that in reviewing the task of organizing the games � and the amount of time left for planning � they felt it would be better to postpone the games for one year," said Minister Jackman. "We agree with the board on this approach. It is important that the Labrador Winter Games continue to be a first-class celebration of physical activity, sport participation, and the unique Labrador culture."

Minister Jackman noted the postponement actually provides an ideal opportunity to review and evaluate the Labrador Winter Games program � along with the recently initiated review of the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer and Winter Games programs � which was a commitment made in the Provincial Government�s 2007 recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I want to be very clear that, as a department, and as a government, we are committed to the Labrador Winter Games and to increasing opportunities for all residents to take part in sport, recreation and cultural activities," said Minister Jackman. "I look forward to working with the board of directors of the host committee to ensure the 2010 Labrador Winter Games will be as positive an experience for participants and spectators as it has been in the past."

Joe Goudie, acting chair of the Labrador Winter Games board of directors, said the planning process for 2010 can now begin in earnest.

"This decision has been made in the best interest of the athletes, and in the best interest of the Labrador Winter Games program," said Mr. Goudie. "We are determined to have a top-notch event, and we feel this postponement will enable us to achieve that goal."

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2008 09 18                                                     2:45 p.m.