The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:

Canada Summer Games to Highlight Provincial Athletes

Mr. Speaker, from August 2 to August 17, more than 3,400 young athletes from across our country will converge on Sherbrooke, Quebec, for the 2013 Canada Summer Games. Since their inception in 1967, the Canada Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, and have been instrumental in the development of some of the country’s premier athletes.

A contingent of fine athletes from our province will be among the many competitors taking part in 17 sports at the games. Team Newfoundland and Labrador is made up of approximately 350 athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff. As the best in their age group, these young athletes having trained many long and arduous hours to earn the honour of representing our province.

Mr. Speaker, athletic excellence involves more than an ability to play a particular sport. Dedication, discipline and commitment are also necessary ingredients that help shape our elite athletes. These characteristics will serve these individuals well not only in their respective sports, but in their daily lives as well.

Since the release of our government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador in 2007, more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development in our province. Combined with investments in arenas and other athletic facilities, our total financial commitment to supporting sports and healthy living since 2007 has been $172 million.

The results of our investment were certainly evident last evening, Mr. Speaker, when I had the honour of joining Premier Dunderdale for the 2013 Premier’s Athletic Awards. More than 120 individuals were recognized for excellence in their chosen sport and received awards totalling $91,000.

Mr. Speaker, Canada Games athletes are Canada’s next generation of national, international and Olympic champions. Our government will continue to work closely with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, School Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, and the provincial sports organizations to achieve the objectives outlined in our sport and recreation strategy. We will also continue with the development of our provincial athletes to reach their highest potential in sport performances such as the Canada Games.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 05 16                                1:55 p.m.