The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Congratulations to gold medallist Melanie Taylor, of Conception Bay South, who shone in Special Olympics Level 2 figure skating and was named closing ceremonies flag bearer for Team Newfoundland and Labrador. Congratulations also to Emma Mullett of St. John’s, on her bronze medal in judo.

Mr. Speaker, the road to the games provides a tremendous experience through training and competing at the elite level.

A number of our athletes and teams achieved personal bests and achieved the goals they had set for themselves at the games.

For example, our women’s artistic gymnastics team finished first among teams from Atlantic Canada for the first time.

Also, our men’s curling team finished 4^th overall, losing by a single point in the bronze medal game.

I also congratulate the Newfoundland and Labrador mission staff team, who received the Claude Hardy Award for the second consecutive Canada Winter Games. This award is presented to the mission team that best exhibits leadership, cooperation, integrity and the spirit of the games.

I had the opportunity to witness many of these athletes and other team members in action in Red Deer and I commend them for their commitment and dedication.

Our government is pleased to continue its support for amateur athletes. In 2018-19, we committed over $6 million to support and advance sport, recreation and physical activity initiatives.

Please join me in congratulating all of our athletes, as well as the coaches, managers, administrators, volunteers and parents, who do so much to ensure our youth have opportunities to represent Newfoundland and Labrador on this level, including at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Thank you.