Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Gail Shea announced today that the West Prince region has been selected to host the 2001 PEI Mutual Provincial Winter Games.
The host region with representation from the communities of Alberton, Tignish, O'Leary, Tyne Valley and Evangeline will form a volunteer organizing committee to oversee the planning and operation of the Games.
"Based on a recommendation from the Provincial Games Committee, I am pleased to announce that the West Prince region will host these Games," said Minister Shea. "West Prince is blessed with many dedicated volunteers and has the required facilities and expertise to make this event a great success. This upcoming event is another example of the communities of West Prince coming together for the benefit of the Island athletic community."
The PEI Mutual Provincial Winter Games will bring together approximately 1000 athletes, coaches and officials for three days of competition. The goals of the games are to provide opportunity for Island Athletes to experience the competitive spirit and camaraderie exhibited at Games; to provide a method of identifying potential Canada Games athletes by providing a showcase of Island athletes; to stimulate enthusiasm in amateur sport and develop a sense of provincial pride among athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters; and to provide an avenue for the development of provincial athletes, coaches and officials in a multi-sport competition.
The dates and other pertinent information, including the list of winter sports, will be released by the host committee over the next few weeks.
"As the committee gets up and running I wish it every success," said Minister Shea. "The enthusiasm and dedication of West Prince volunteers and the local recreation staff will help ensure these will be the best Games to date."