November 14, 2003

World-renowned athlete Sharon Firth and Eric Robinson, minister responsible for sport, are to arrive in Winnipeg today after a tour of three northern communities supported by the Canada-Manitoba Sport Development Partnership.

Their flight is scheduled to arrive at Fast Air, 80 Hanger Line Rd., at 2:45 p.m. today. The tour wraps up tonight with a talk with youth at 7 p.m. at the Maples Youth Activity Centre at Arthur Wright School on 1520 Jefferson Ave.

"Sharon epitomizes the power of sport in the lives of young people," said Robinson. "Over the past four days, we have had the opportunity to visit some of our northern communities and touch the lives of students and young people who deserve the benefits of active living in their communities."

Last month, Robinson announced $1.2 million in funding to help young people benefit from participation in sport through the Canada-Manitoba Sport Development Partnership. It will focus on Aboriginal and new immigrant populations as well as northern, remote and inner urban communities. The partnership was created to increase access to sports and recreational opportunities among those who face social, cultural, economic or geographic barriers to their participation.

Firth is one of Canada's most accomplished athletes. Her 17-year career as a world-class skier has garnered her many honours and awards. The first Aboriginal woman to compete in three world ski championships, Firth went on to become a four-time winter Olympian. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Firth was awarded the John Semmelink Memorial Award by the Canadian Ski Association 1972 for her contribution to skiing in Canada. In 1987, she received the Order of Canada. She was inducted into the Canadian Ski Museum -- the Skiing Hall of Fame -- in 1990 and received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Students at the elementary, junior and senior high school level were on hand to visit with the celebrated athlete. The tour included visits to St. Theresa Point, Gods Lake Narrows, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation-The Pas.

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