The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak in this Honourable House about the merits of the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy program under the Labrador Affairs Secretariat.

For years, Labradorians have traveled with friends and teammates to participate in provincial competitions on the island. These activities instilled the benefits of physical activity, teamwork and competition. Win, lose or draw, they achieved personal growth and made life-long friends.

Without support from this program, such excursions are not possible. Funding is available to Labrador youth, Special Olympians and sport organizations to offset the cost of air travel. Another component of the program supports School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding is also used to support provincial tournaments held in Labrador, and to assist in developing coaches and officials.

More than 525 athletes and coaches in Labrador, participating in 15 sports, took advantage of the program during a nine-month period before the pandemic brought a halt to travel in March.

As travel restrictions start to ease, we are extremely encouraged by the renewed uptake

in the program from coaches and athletes in Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, the benefits of the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy program are evident. All you have to do is look at the smiles on the faces of participants and listen to their inspiring stories.

Thank you.