Islanders can take great pride in the 17 teams who will be representing Prince Edward Island at the 2015 Canada Winter Games taking place in Prince George, British Columbia this February 13 – March 1, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Our athletes have worked long and hard to prepare for the Games and each one of them is deserving of his or her spot on Team PEI,” said the minister. “We acknowledge the tremendous support of parents, coaches and supporters who have made this incredible experience possible for the athletes. Our Island pride will be showing as we cheer them on in Prince George.”
Team PEI’s delegation for the 2015 Canada Winter Games includes 136 athletes, 48 coaches and managers and 12 mission staff. Athletes and teams will be participating in 15 different sports over the two-week duration of the Games.
“The Canada Games is the largest multi-sport competition for young Canadian athletes and a wonderful opportunity for our Island athletes to experience world-class athletic achievement,” said John Morrison, Chair of the Provincial Canada Games Committee. “It has taken many dedicated volunteers, staff, parents and sponsors to ensure that our team is ready when we arrive in Prince George and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.”
Among the many corporate partners, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s commitment to Canada Games teams spans more than three decades. This year, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation donated $20,000 to Team PEI.
“It is a privilege for Atlantic Lottery to support Team PEI athletes,” said Michael MacKinnon, Managing Director for Red Shores. “The dedication, talent and discipline of these athletes will serve them well during, and long after the Games; these skills will help shape successful careers, active citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.”
“No matter what the outcome is in Prince George, Islanders will be very proud of the efforts our athletes will make and of their role as ambassadors for our province,” added Currie.
For a complete list of Team PEI’s athletes, coaches and mission staff attending the 2015 Canada Winter Games, visit www.teampei.ca.
To view the 2015 Team PEI “Good Luck” video, visit www.teampei.ca.
For more information on Team PEI or to follow the team’s progress and get results during the Games, visit www.teampei.ca.
Background:
· For the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Team PEI will be sending 17 teams participating in 15 sports over the two-week period.
· Team PEI is competing in the following sports during week 1: alpine skiing, archery, artistic gymnastics, biathlon, curling (men’s), hockey (women’s), ringette, speed skating (long and short track) and wheelchair basketball.
· Team PEI is competing in the following sports during week 2: curling (women’s), figure skating, hockey (men’s), judo, snowboarding, squash, synchronized swimming and table tennis.
· Prince Edward Island has been a part of the Canada Games (winter and summer editions) since the Games were first held in 1967.
· Prince Edward Island has a long and storied history with over 4,000 Islanders participating in at least one edition of the Canada Games.
· Prince Edward Island athletes have won a total of 54 medals at the Canada Games (winter and summer editions combined).
· Approximately 2,400 athletes, 1,000 coaches and officials, and up to 4,500 volunteers will be participating. Hundreds of media and thousands of visitors are expected to converge onto Prince George for the Games.
· The Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever held in Prince George and northern British Columbia. Prince George is also the first city in British Columbia to host a winter edition of the Canada Games.