February 04, 2003

Students in Northern Manitoba have the opportunity to participate in the 2003 Frontier Games with the support of $26,000 in provincial funding, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson, minister responsible for sport, announced today.

"The Frontier Games gives students an opportunity to enjoy sport, physical activity and recreation, and develop leadership skills," said Robinson. "These games have a strong 28-year tradition of bringing people and fair play together in an enjoyable and important learning experience."

Approximately 1,200 participants from 33 schools in the Norman, Parkland, Eastman and Interlake regions join in the floor hockey, basketball, snowshoeing, table tennis, trap setting, badminton, cross-country skiing, indoor soccer, volleyball, and singles and doubles badminton competitions.

Regional events were scheduled in the following locations:

• Oscar Blackburn School, South Indian Lake, Jan. 29 to Feb. 1
• Mel Johnson School, Wabowden, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1
• Duck Bay School, Duck Bay, and Philomene Chartrand School, Camperville, Feb. 12 to 15
• Grand Rapids School, Grand Rapids, Feb. 13 to 15
• Berens River School, Berens River, Feb. 19 to 22
• Divisional finals in Norway House Feb. 26 to March 1

"As part of the province’s Northern Development Strategy, local communities are assisted with the development of recreational activities," said Robinson. "Investment in the games supports development in Northern Manitoba by creating community leadership capacity and making economic contributions to host communities."

More information about the games is available by contacting the Frontier School Division at 204-775-9741 or online at http://www.frontiersd.mb.ca, click on ‘Education Support’ and ‘Health and Wellness’.

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