Premier Robert Ghiz took the opportunity during the annual meeting of the Council of the Federation this week to profile the upcoming Canada Games in Prince Edward Island and to share Islanders’ excitement about hosting this event.
Premier Ghiz and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall met with Team Saskatchewan athletes, Christopher Laplante and Adrianna Morrison, and Chef de Mission, Lorne Lasuita. Saskatchewan hosted the previous Summer Games in 2005.
“The 2009 Canada Games begin in just a little more than one week from now and excitement is growing in Prince Edward Island,” Premier Ghiz told his colleagues. “This is the first time an entire province has hosted the Games as One Island Community and we are looking forward to welcoming athletes, artists and visitors from across Canada.”
“Saskatchewan was very proud to host the Summer Games in 2005 and we know that this year Prince Edward Island will build on that proud legacy, hosting athletes from across our nation,” said Premier Wall. “I wish all the competitors the very best.”
The bi-annual national multi-sport and cultural event will run August 15-29 and involve more than 4,400 athletes, coaches and managers in 18 sports. The National Artist Program, a cultural component of the Games, will be held concurrently at multiple locations across Prince Edward Island.
The 2009 Canada Games Opening Ceremonies will take place at Credit Union Place, Summerside on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 1 p.m. For more information go to www.2009canadagames.ca.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is hosting the 2009 Summer Meeting of the Council of the Federation in Regina. The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among provinces and territories and with the federal government.
BACKGROUNDER:
Christopher Laplante, Regina – Canoe/Kayak, Male, Age 16:
Christopher is a member of the Regina Wascana Racing Canoe Club. He medaled as a member of Team Sask. at the 2007 Western Canada Summer in Sherwood Park Alberta Games. He recently placed twelfth in the 6 km. at Nationals.
Adrianna Morrison, Regina – Female Wrestling, Age 17:
Adrianna is a member of the Regina Cat Town Wrestling Club. She is the 2008 and 2009 City and Provincial Champion and also represented Saskatchewan at the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games in Sherwood Park Alberta.