For Immediate Release
May 18, 2017

 

Gander, NL – See it. Play it. Get Active. Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is excited to announce that Sportfest 2017 will be held in Gander this June. This is the 7th annual Sportfest and the first time the event will be held in central NL, at the Steele Community Centre.

Designed to showcase the diversity of organized sport available to youth in the province, this two-day, fully interactive festival is a one-of-a kind for Newfoundland and Labrador. It allows participants to see various demonstrations and actually try out many different sports for themselves.

“We are very happy to bring Sportfest 2017 to Gander this June,” said Troy Croft, Executive Director for Sport NL. “This event is a fun and unique opportunity to introduce a variety of sports to our province’s youth and open their minds to something new and exciting. Our primary goal is to encourage participation in organized sport, while at the same time educating youth on the many health benefits associated with physical activity.”

Sportfest will host a number of different provincial sport organizations and community groups that will provide information on their respective sports, registration requirements and other fun facts.

The Canadian Olympic Committee will also bring Olympic Day to Sportfest 2017. Sportfest will feature an area dedicated to Olympic Day, where children will have the opportunity to meet several Olympians and interact with them through sport. Olympic Day is an educational and physically interactive event, which calls to action the need to adopt and maintain healthy active lifestyles while living the Olympic Values: Fun; Fairness; Respect; Personal growth; and Leadership.

“SportNL has developed a wonderful working relationship with the Canadian Olympic Committee and we are grateful for their support of Sportfest,” said Croft. “Having Olympians on-hand to interact and inspire the kids is always fantastic. It’s an opportunity like no other.”

As well, Parasport, a very popular component of Sportfest, will engage and enlighten children again this year. Children are encouraged to try out many of the sporting options available to those with physical disabilities. In numerous zones throughout Sportfest, demonstrations will take place on how sports are adjusted and modified for children with disabilities. It’s an educational experience, which promotes inclusion and acceptance.

Sportfest 2017 promises to be a 2-day event full of fun. June 16th will host school children from the Gander Area, and June 17th will be a day open to the public. For more information, please visit www.sportfestnl.ca

Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is a volunteer organization committed to the promotion and advancement of amateur sport throughout the province. Sport NL represents 55 provincial sport organizations and over 80,000 individual members, while promoting the health benefits associated with physical activity and sport to the youth of Newfoundland and Labrador. Visit www.sportnl.ca for information on programs offered by Sport NL and www.sportfestnl.ca for more information about Sportfest 2017.

 

Media Contact:
Troy Croft, Executive Director, SportNL
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 709.576.4932