The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor will host the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in March of next year.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans, during a news conference at Exploits Valley Intermediate in Grand Falls-Windsor. The ministers were joined by Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Green Bay South and Mayor Rex Barnes of Grand Falls-Windsor.

"The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor submitted a strong bid and has the facilities required to accommodate all the participants and sporting events to be offered at the games," said Minister Jackman. "The Newfoundland and Labrador Games continue to be important to coaches, officials and sport enthusiasts, but most particularly to the youth who participate, and to the communities which build significant capacity working with volunteers who build important event management skills."

The Provincial Government will provide the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor with $350,000 to offset operating costs and the transportation and travels costs of all the athletes, coaches, officials and managers.

Minister Sullivan said she is pleased that Grand Falls-Windsor has been given this opportunity.

"The town will greatly benefit from the revenues and employment opportunities generated from being the host community of the games," said Minister Sullivan. "With such a large influx of people in the area during the games, many businesses � including accommodations, restaurants and retail outlets � will be operating at maximum levels, which will most certainly boost the town�s economy."

"We are delighted that the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games will take place in Grand Falls-Windsor," said Mr. Hunter. "While activities will be centred in the town, people throughout the region will have an opportunity to volunteer and participate."

Mayor Barnes is thrilled the town has been selected to host this prestigious provincial sporting event.

"We felt very positive about our bid and the high-quality facilities and resources we have available to host the Winter Games," said Mayor Barnes. "I have no doubt that Grand Falls-Windsor will take full advantage of all the benefits this exciting and highly-anticipated event will provide our town."

The 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games will provide the opportunity for up to 1,500 young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in the province�s highest level of competition.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Games program was established in 1976 and is held every two years, alternating winter and summer games. Athletes from all areas of the province, ages 11-18, compete in a range of sports selected by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation in conjunction with provincial sports organizations. The games are designed to encourage participation in sport and the pursuit of excellence, as well as promote recreation and community development.

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Media contact:

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