The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today extended congratulations to the 2009 Sport Newfoundland and Labrador (SNL) Hall of Fame inductees, and the 2008 Provincial Athletic Award recipients, honoured at the 2^nd Annual Stars and Legends Awards Ceremony. The combined event was held Saturday, March 28, at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John�s.

"Our province continues to produce exceptional athletes who, year after year, compete successfully on the provincial, national and international scene," said Minister Jackman. "This awards ceremony honours those accomplishments, and also recognizes the men and women who have helped inspire and pave the way for today�s athletes."

This year, five men and one woman were inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. Inductees were: Thomas L. Gallant, Builder (Judo); Andrea Hutchens, Athlete (Basketball); Harold St. Croix, Athlete (Athletics); Iain Robert Tennent, Athlete (Swimming); Donald Richard Yetman, Athlete/Builder (Hockey/Baseball); and, Joseph "Joe" Wadden, Athlete/Builder (Baseball/Basketball).

Minister Jackman said this year�s inductees should be very proud of their accomplishments and the positive example they have set for the province�s emerging young athletes.

The evening also included the presentation of the 2008 SNL Provincial Athletic Awards. The awards were presented in seven categories to those who achieved the highest level of excellence in their sport. The recipients were: Senior Female Athlete of the Year - Nicole Adams; Senior Male Athlete of the Year � Frank Walsh; Junior Female Athlete of the Year � Victoria Ralph; Junior Male Athlete of the Year � Matthew Young; Coach of the Year � Patrick Parfrey; Executive of the Year � Bev Power; and, Team of the Year � The Rock Rugby Team.

Sport Newfoundland and Labrador President Doug Fowler said he was pleased with this year�s event and felt it provided an excellent opportunity for the stars of today and the legends of yesterday to share their successes.

"Once again this year the Stars and Legends Awards Gala brought about a rare opportunity for so many people involved in sport, past and present, to celebrate the success of the people of our province," said Mr. Fowler. "It was interesting to see everyone sharing so many stories throughout the night. It truly was a great evening."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to sport and sport development in this province. Budget 2009 provides an additional $875,000 to improve existing programming, and introduce new initiatives, which support the goals in the Provincial Government�s recreation and sports strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007). Through initiatives identified in the strategy, more than $8.1 million in new funding has been invested in the recreation and sport sectors in the past three years.

For more information about these awards and Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, visit //www.sportnl.ca/ 

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