2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games Open Tomorrow

Over 1,300 participants from eight regions across the province, as well as from Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, are descending on Grand Falls-Windsor for the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games, to be held March 20-27.

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will be in Grand Falls-Windsor tomorrow (Saturday, March 20), to officially open the games. Minister French will be joined by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, MHA for the District of Grand-Falls Windsor-Buchans and Ray Hunter, MHA for the District of Grand Falls-Windsor-Green Bay South. The opening ceremonies will take place at the newly-renovated Windsor Stadium, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

�The Newfoundland and Labrador Games encourage participation in sport and the pursuit of excellence, as well as the promotion of recreation and community development,� said Minister French. �I wish all the athletes the best of luck as they get set to compete and excel in one of the province�s most highly-anticipated athletic events.�

Minister Sullivan said she is delighted the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is hosting this year�s Winter Games.

�The central region has produced many great athletes and has a strong sports history, making it a great location for the events,� said Minister Sullivan. �As the athletes, parents, teachers, and coaches from across Newfoundland and Labrador and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon arrive in our community, I am sure they will be greeted with top-notch hospitality. I wish everyone a great games.�

�Not only will the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games be an exciting event for all those involved, hosting the games will be of great economic benefit to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor,� said Mr. Hunter. �Best of luck to all the athletes, and may these games be an event to remember.�

The Newfoundland and Labrador games program was established in 1974 and is held every two years, alternating winter and summer games. Athletes from throughout 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 Provincial Government committed $350,000 to the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games to offset operating costs and the transportation and travel costs of all the participating athletes, coaches, officials and managers.

In addition, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador contributed more than $2.3 million for the renovations to the Windsor Stadium through Multi-Year Capital Works funding, administered through the Department of Municipal Affairs.

For more information on the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games, including schedules and venues, please visit: www.nlwintergames.com/ 

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2010 03 19                                                   9:35 a.m.