Executive Council
Children, Seniors and Social Development
June 28, 2017
Eric Healey Named 2017 Canada Summer Games Flag Bearer
Softball player Eric Healey has been named Team Newfoundland and Labrador’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2017 Canada Summer Games, taking place July 28 to August 13 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Provincial Government made the announcement during the athlete’s rally at the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre (Powerplex) in St. John’s. Mr. Healey’s biography is included in the backgrounder below.
The 2017 Canada Summer Games marks the 50th anniversary of the Canada Games, and this year nearly 400 athletes, volunteer coaches, managers and mission staff will represent Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government has invested approximately $700,000 over the last four years to prepare athletes from this province to participate in the games.
The games are held every two years, alternating summer and winter. The province hosted the 1977 Canada Summer Games in St. John's and the 1999 Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook and the summer games will return to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2021.
Quotes
“Congratulations to Eric on being chosen to carry the flag on behalf of Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. This year, as the Canada Games celebrates 50 years, it is a particular honour to be named flag bearer. Competing in the games takes a considerable amount of dedication and persistence. I look forward to following our athletes and wish the best of luck to Team Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“It is important for our athletes to have opportunities to compete at the Atlantic, national and international levels. That is why the Provincial Government is committed to supporting recreation, sport and physical activity, including supporting our athletes through the Athletic Excellence Fund and through our Canada Games Program. Congratulations Eric! I wish the entire contingent every success.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
- 30 -
Learn More
Team NL – www.teamnl.ca/
2017 Canada Summer Games - canadagames.ca/2017/
Follow on Twitter: @GovNL
, @CSSD_GovNL
, @teamnl
and @2017CanadaGames
Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Biographical information for Eric Healey, 2017 Canada Summer Games Flag Bearer
Eric Healey is from Chapels Cove and began playing softball in 2011, at age 15, with the St. John’s Intermediate League. In 2013, he joined the St. John’s Senior League where he currently plays the position of pitcher.
From 2014 to 2016 Eric competed for Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canadian Softball Junior Nationals. In 2015, he captured the title of top pitcher and was named league MVP for the St. John’s Intermediate League.
In 2014 Eric won a silver medal at the Canadian Softball Midget Nationals. That same year he competed with Team Canada at the International Softball Federation World Junior Championships and was named junior player of the year by Softball NL.
Eric has participated in and has won medals in countless national and provincial championships and is a two-time recipient of the Premier’s Athletic Awards (2014, 2015). He will be representing Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba as part of the province’s fastpitch softball team.
2017 06 28 1:55 p.m.