The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is in Vancouver today to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. He is being joined by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Regional celebrations are also being held here at home, in St. John's, Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is honoured to be a Contributing Province to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and today we take pride in celebrating our province and the unique and extraordinary contribution we make to this country," said Premier Williams. "The Vancouver Organizing Committee is to be congratulated for ensuring this Olympic experience is truly a Canadian event. Today is a day for our province to tell our story as Canada's youngest and coolest province and to share all that is unique and inspiring about Newfoundland and Labrador. In particular, we will share with the world an exceptional array of artistic and musical talent. With activities and events planned in Vancouver and back at home, we will be adding our own voice to the games and showing the world why Newfoundland and Labrador is an incredible place to live, work, play and do business."

Many exciting events are planned to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador Day in Vancouver, including Newfoundland and Labrador's Victory Celebration Showcase at BC Place. Produced by artistic creator Jillian Keiley, the show promises to amaze, as the province shares its rich history, culture and spirit with the rest of the world. Hosted by Newfoundland and Labrador actor, writer and comedian Shaun Majumder, with performances by Hey Rosetta!, The Irish Descendents, Ron Hynes, Tara Oram, and The Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers, the Victory Celebrations will conclude with Newfoundland and Labrador's very own Great Big Sea.

National and international visitors will also have the opportunity to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador Day at Atlantic Canada House on Granville Island. Guests will be treated to some of the province's traditional and nouvelle cuisine, be entertained by some of the greatest talent in the country, and feel the genuine hospitality and friendly spirit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Minister French said the popularity of Atlantic Canada House has exceeded expectations.

"We've literally had thousands of people lined up outside Atlantic Canada House, eager to take part in activities and to see what Newfoundland and Labrador and the entire Atlantic region has to offer," said Minister French. "This pavilion is the place where people want to be. Today's Newfoundland and Labrador Day activities provide an unprecedented opportunity to promote our province, and through our regional celebrations, we are delighted to be able to share some of the energy and spirit of our presence here with people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."　

Schools and students across the province were the first to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador Day, and showed their Olympic spirit by participating in the 2010 Living Healthy Commotions. Organized each year by teachers and students in schools, this year's commotions include events and activities that support healthy living and focus on the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games - friendship, fair play, and the pursuit of excellence. A two-minute video showing schools and students celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador Day will be shown as part of the province's Victory Celebration Showcase at BC Place.

For more information on regional celebrations, visit: /www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2010/tcr/0205n03.htm.

More information on Newfoundland and Labrador's involvement in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can be viewed at: www.gov.nl.ca/2010olympics

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