As Newfoundland and Labrador eagerly awaits next summer’s Canada Games, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today declared that 2025 will be the Year of Sport.
The Year of Sport will celebrate sport and athletes in this province and will consist of marquee events, including the 2025 Canada Games. Throughout the year, there will be spotlights on community sport, volunteerism, women and inclusivity in sport, seniors in sport and athletes and builders.
During the Year of Sport, the public will have access to free skates and swims, as well as access to multi-purpose facilities throughout the province. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and Celebrate NL will also deliver several programs in support of the sporting community, including provincial sport organizations and municipalities. Further details on these funding programs, including eligibility and application guidelines, will be issued in the coming weeks.
At the event, the Premier also announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing funding to SportNL to formalize a safe sport contract with ITP Sport. Safe sport refers to the provision of an environment that promotes positive physical, mental and emotional well-being for all sport participants. Safe sport encompasses areas such as injury prevention (like concussion in sport) and safe and inclusive sport, free of abuse, harassment and discrimination.
The enabling of third-party oversight in the province will provide an investigative body for complaints related to misconduct in sport, resulting in a safer environment for athletes to thrive.
To date, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been a significant funder of the 2025 Canada Games, with an investment of approximately $50 million. The Provincial Government has also prioritized sport and recreation infrastructure, recently announcing $13 million for a new sport and well-being dome and $500,000 for the functional design of a new Multiplex Provincial Recreational Facility in Galway.
Quotes
“Sport is the cornerstone of many communities in our province and is often the guiding light toward success for our young people. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is thrilled to declare 2025 the Year of Sport in our province, the perfect alignment with one of our most anticipated events in years, the Canada Games. This year, we will highlight all that is good about our sport and recreation sector and our province’s athletes. I invite all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take part – whether through participation in sport, volunteering or cheering on Team NL. Together, let’s thrive in 2025!”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Our government has proven itself as a supporter of the sport and recreation sector through nearly $50 million in Canada Games investment. The Year of Sport will offer several new funding programs to support the sport community, including Provincial Sport Organizations and municipalities. I look forward to working with Sport NL and our partners to make this an excellent year.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“SportNL is thrilled to support the 2025 Year of Sport, celebrating sport’s role in uniting communities, fostering inclusivity, and promoting healthy living. The introduction of a safe sport ITP will help create a positive environment where everyone can thrive. We are committed to working with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation to deliver resources that support athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers at all levels as we look ahead to this exciting year in sport.”
Troy Croft
SportNL
“Sport has certainly opened many doors for me but, more importantly, it has shaped my identity and character. It has taught me the values of commitment, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, allowing me to forge strong friendships and ties to my community. The Year of Sports initiative and all the excitement and possibilities that it entails is something truly worth celebrating.”
Zoë Rowe
Varsity Athlete
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