Executive Council
March 1, 2013
Labrador Winter Games to Commence Sunday
From March 3 to 9, participants from communities throughout Labrador will celebrate the Labrador Winter Games, a much anticipated event that began 30 years ago. Often referred to as the “Olympics of the North,” the games take place every three years and include contemporary sports and traditional skill competitions, as well as a variety of cultural activities.
The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, will be in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Sunday, March 3, for the official opening of the games at 7:00 p.m. at E.J. Broomfield Memorial Stadium. The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will attend the closing of the games, which will take place on Saturday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. at E.J. Broomfield Memorial Stadium.
“Over the past 30 years these games have become a powerful celebration of sport and culture in Labrador,” said Minister French. “Community pride, fair play, and personal achievement define the games for participants, and make the week special and memorable for everyone involved. The Provincial Government offers congratulations and appreciation to the organizers and volunteers who helped make these games such a success through the years.”
In addition to promoting athletics, the Labrador Winter Games have encouraged, promoted, and enhanced co-operation and understanding among different cultures represented in the region, and have revived participation in sports and activities associated with traditional lifestyles. In keeping with investments through the Northern Strategic Plan to improve the health and well-being of all Labradorians, the Provincial Government provided $500,000 to support these games this year.
“These games bring the people of Labrador together like no other event,” said Minister McGrath. “Tremendous fellowship, pride, and excitement are generated by the competitions, and continue well after the closing ceremonies. Our investment in these games is an investment in athletics, community, and culture, and it yields enduring benefits for everyone involved.”
The games comprise 14 events, and include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, dog team races, and Northern Games such as the “One Foot High Kick” and “Over the Rope.”
“Labrador has well earned its nickname ‘The Big Land,’ not just because of its massive geography, but also for its abundance of culture and traditions,” said Minister Collins. “These games honour the diverse mix of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal culture in the region and I encourage everyone to take in as much of these games as possible.”
The main prize of the games is the Labrador Cup, a championship that is won based on the performance of a team of people. The community of Cartwright took home the Labrador Cup in the most recent games in 2010.
For information about the games, visit
www.labradorwintergames.ca/games2013/home.htm.
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Media contacts:
| Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Labrador Affairs Office 709-729-1674, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
2013 03 01 12:15 p.m.