The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador officially opened the 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in Deer Lake on Saturday, March 10. Over 1,300 athletes between the ages of 11-18, along with their coaches and managers will compete in a variety of sports from March 10 to 18.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is the largest multi-sporting event in the province, alternating between winter and summer and brings together many of the provinces best athletes, coaches and officials for a week-long competition.
The games are supported by the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development and coordinated in conjunction with Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and provincial sport organizations.
The Provincial Government has invested more than $540,000 in the 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games, including $200,000 in operating grants; $265,000 to cover transportation and travel costs; and $75,000 for regional qualifiers.
The 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador Games will also see the continuation of a pilot program supported by the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASRCNL), Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and provincial sport organizations. Indigenous athletes have the opportunity to compete as members of Team Indigenous in wrestling, badminton, volleyball and table tennis.
Quotes
“What an honour to be in my hometown of Deer Lake this past weekend to celebrate the official opening of the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. The games highlight our commitment to supporting healthy active living for our youth and will feature some of our province’s top young athletes; many of whom will continue on to represent Newfoundland and Labrador on a national level. A special thank you to the host committee and the volunteers who helped organize the games. Best of luck to all participants.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“For 40 years the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program has been encouraging participation in sport and the pursuit of excellence. The experience is an important development opportunity and, for some, a stepping stone towards higher level sport competitions. More importantly, the games provide positive experiences where memories, friendships, spirit and pride are abundant.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“We are incredibly proud to host the 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games right here in Deer Lake. I would like to acknowledge the incredible work of our host committee and the dedicated volunteers who have come together to help make these games an unforgettable experience for all participants. Best wishes to all athletes during the games and welcome!”
Dean Ball
Mayor of Deer Lake
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Learn More
2018 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games Deer Lake – deerlakegames2018.com/
Premier Ball Announces 2018 Winter Games Host Community – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/exec/0403n01.aspx
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL @dlwintergames , and @nlgames
Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 725-9231
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Junior Pinksen
Town of Deer Lake
709-635-3682
juniorpinksen@nf.aibn.com