The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made a commitment to increase the financial contribution for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games from $500,000 to $750,000. In addition, $50,000 has been committed to support the concept of regional games and sport development in remote areas of Labrador leading up to the 2026 games. The financial contributions confirm the Provincial Government as the primary funder for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games.
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, announced this support during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 Labrador Winter Games on March 18, 2023.
The most recent games, held March 12-18, featured traditional and modern-day sports and skill competitions that reflected the cultural diversity and heritage of Labrador. More than 300 athletes from 19 communities across Labrador, supported by their families and hometowns, participated in what is also described as the ‘Olympics of the North’.
The Labrador Winter Games were first held in 1983 and takes place every three years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The 2023 Labrador Winter Games marked the 14th gathering since its inception and the 40th anniversary of its inauguration.
In addition to stimulating interest and participation in organized sport within communities, and encouraging a sense of fairness and sportsmanship, the Labrador Winter Games promote physical activity, the importance of lifelong active living, and nurturing traditional and cultural ties to the past.
Quotes
“The Labrador Winter Games is a special event that brings together people from every part of Labrador in a demonstration of sportsmanship, culture and tradition. It comes as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with this sporting event that they call this gathering the friendship games, and I was so honoured to attend this year.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Labrador is a unique place and the Labrador Winter Games are unlike any other sporting competition. The Government of Newfoundland Labrador is proud to support the Labrador Winter Games and strengthen our commitment for the 2026 games. I am even more excited with the prospect of developing regional games and having the Labrador Winter Games as a vehicle to drive sport development in remote communities that don’t have the facilities or programs that you see in larger centres in Labrador.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“Every three years, Labrador comes together to celebrate where we live and the importance of supporting each other. The new investment for the intervening years as well as additional support for the big week of competition will enhance continuity for the athletes, volunteers and organizers. I am excited for the future of the Labrador Winter Games.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville
“The Board of Directors joins me in welcoming increased funding from the Provincial Government to plan and deliver the 2026 Labrador Winter Games. The additional funding demonstrates a solid commitment from the Provincial Government to support a growing increase in costs and expenses associated with travel, inflation and the direction where we would like to take the games going into the future.”
Todd Winters
Chairperson, Board of Directors, Labrador Winter Games
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Learn more
2023 Labrador Winter Games
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