Premier Pat Binns offered his congratulations, on behalf of all Islanders, to 100m gold medalist Jared Connaughton on winning the Island’s first medal at the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina, Saskatchewan.
“The victory by Jared is the culmination of hard work, dedication, commitment and all Islanders are proud of this tremendous accomplishment,” said the Premier, who had been in contact with the gold medalist by telephone earlier on Tuesday. “It was a very touching moment when Jared crossed the finish line in a personal best time with a strong contingent of fellow Islanders cheering him on. PEI is very proud today. This will give the entire PEI team a big lift for the second week of the Games.”
The Premier wished Connaughton further success in his upcoming 200m race and is hopeful of more Island medals and personal bests in week two. He is the first Islander to win a gold medal in the 100 metres since Bill MacKinnon in 1969.
“We are very proud of our Island contingent at the Canada Games, for their efforts in sport and for being great ambassadors for our province, as we get ready to host the 2009 Canada Summer Games,” Premier Binns stated.
Connaughton, who runs track at the University of Texas at Arlington, was Sport PEI’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2004. He is a resident of New Haven and is a graduate of Bluefield High School.
Other career accomplishments to date include, being a member of the National Junior team in 2004, Athletics PEI Senior Male Athlete of the year (2004), PEI Intercollegiate Athlete of the Year (2004), Canadian Legion National 200m Under 17 Champion and he is the Maritime Record Holder in the 100m (10.48 seconds) and 200m (21.42 seconds).