Government support to all provincial sport governing bodies will remain virtually intact. This includes funding for professional assistance ie. executive directors currently being funded as well as grants to individual sport governing bodies. This will also fund the training of coaches, athletic development, annual general meetings, etc.
Government will continue to operate all recreation and training centres in the Province (Happy Valley -Goose Bay, Stephenville and St. John's). These facilities are integral to providing local residents with recreational facilities but also serve as training centres for the development of the province's elite athetes and teams.
Government is continuing its commitment to the Canada Games program. We are preparing our sport community and providing support to the host city of Corner Brook in anticipation of the 1999 Canada Winter Games. This includes $100,000 in funding for a development plan to develop and train athletes, coaches and teams. The objective would be for Newfoundland to finish close to the middle of point standings in future competitions. Without a financial commitment to this aspect of the Games, the Province will maintain its position at or near the bottom of the point standings.
Funding for the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games will be held in August in Conception Bay South will be maintained.
Government will also fulfill its commitment for the Labrador Winter Games that will take place in March of 1997 and will be a major part of the Festival of Light. It will also be the showcase for Labrador for the 1997 Cabot celebrations..