Canadian Heritage a Proud Sponsor of the Arctic Winter Games
YELLOWKNIFE, NWT, March 15, 1998 -- The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Secretary of State (Training and Youth), on behalf of The Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, brought a special message to the young athletes at the Arctic Winter Games during the Official Opening Ceremonies."Your training, discipline, fair play, teamwork and dedication to excellence have brought you to the Games and made all of you winners," said Ms. Blondin-Andrew. "We are proud of you, and of the way the Arctic Winter Games preserve, promote and develop northern sport and culture in Canada's North and in the other circumpolar nations. The Government of Canada is pleased to be your partner in this very worthwhile endeavour."
She also challenged all the participants to live the Games' motto, "unity through sport, culture and friendship."
Ms. Blondin-Andrew invited everyone to visit the Canada House exhibit, a first for the Arctic Winter Games. Canada House is participating in the Arctic Winter Trade and Marketing Show, showcasing the northern programs and services of eight federal departments, an exhibit coordinated by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Since 1970, the Government of Canada has been an Arctic Winter Games partner. In November 1996, the Department of Canadian Heritage contributed $200,000 to the operating costs of the 1998 Games. The Arctic Winter Games is a unique athletic event which brings together participants from Canada, the United States, Greenland and Russia. More than 1,600 athletes, coaches, mission staff, officials and cultural performers take part every two years.
Sport Canada, a branch of Canadian Heritage, is responsible for the encouragement, promotion and development of amateur sport in Canada.
Information:
Charlotte Peach
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(867) 669-2805 or (204) 984-3558
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