The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, joined students and teachers at Vanier Elementary School today to celebrate the first-ever national torch relay for the Canada Winter Games.
The 2019 Canada Winter Games takes place in Red Deer, Alberta, from February 15 to March 3. The relay began on October 4 when the torch was lit from the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The torch will visit almost 50 communities across Canada before arriving in Red Deer for the Opening Ceremonies on February 15.
The upcoming games will feature 19 sports and over 150 events, as well as a cultural festival, welcoming up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches and more than 20,000 visitors. Team Newfoundland and Labrador will consist of nearly 250 athletes, volunteer coaches, managers and mission staff.
The Canada Games is a national multi-sport competition that is held every two years and alternates between Canada Winter Games and Canada Summer Games.
Quotes
“Today we are part of history as we welcome and celebrate the first-ever national torch relay for the Canada Winter Games. We are committed to healthy living, sport and recreation and we will continue to invest in programs that support healthy active living among youth. Participation in sport at all ages yields physical and mental health benefits, establishes lasting social connections and fosters a foundation for lifelong healthy active living. We are proud of everyone who will participate at the 2019 Canada Winter Games as Team Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“As the Minister Responsible for Sport and Recreation in our province, I get to see the power of sport every day. Our government recognizes the importance of healthy active living with one key element being sport. Through sport, people are able to stay active, as well as learn about the significance of teamwork, goal setting and how to deal with the ups and downs of wins and losses. We are excited to be part of the 2019 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay and wish all those involved in the upcoming games every success.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Children, Seniors and Social Development – Recreation and Sport
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Jason Card
Office of the Premier
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Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
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