Minister Extends Congratulations to Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador

Today, Special Olympics Canada announced that the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will be held in Corner Brook in 2016. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was at the announcement to congratulate Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador which is organizing the games.

“This will be the first time the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games have ever been hosted in this province,” said Minister Dalley. “On behalf of the Provincial Government, I’d like to wish Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador the best of luck as they prepare to host the 2016 games in Corner Brook.”

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador serves over 600 people with intellectual disabilities in this province and provides them with the opportunity to engage in many sporting activities that include Provincial and Canada Games.

“We are so excited that the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will be coming to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2016,” said Kevin Dunphy, Chair of Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador. “Over the next four years, we will be working to ensure the 2016 games provide a welcoming and supportive environment to all participants.”

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will involve about 1,000 athletes and coaches, as well as 400 to 500 family members, friends, and supporters. Seven sports will be featured which are curling, speed skating, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and Nordic skiing.

A key objective of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy (2007), Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador, is to increase opportunities for participation, particularly by those in under-represented groups. Since the launch of the strategy, more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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2012 09 25             12:10 p.m.