Participants from communities throughout Labrador will celebrate the Labrador Winter Games from March 3-9.
The official opening of the games will take place in Happy Valley-Goose Bay 7 p.m. Sunday at E.J. Broomfield Memorial Stadium.
The games comprise 14 events, and include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog team races, and Northern Games such as the “One Foot High Kick” and “Over the Rope.”
“Over the past 30 years these games have become a powerful celebration of sport and culture in Labrador,” said Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation in a news release.
“Community pride, fair play, and personal achievement define the games for participants, and make the week special and memorable for everyone involved.”
Often referred to as the Olympics of the North, the games take place every three years and include contemporary sports and traditional skill competitions, as well as a variety of cultural activities.
The provincial government provided $500,000 to support these games this year.
In addition to promoting athletics, the Labrador Winter Games have encouraged, promoted and enhanced co-operation and understanding among different cultures represented in the region, and have revived participation in sports and activities associated with traditional lifestyles.
The main prize of the games is the Labrador Cup, a championship that is won based on the performance of a team of people. The community of Cartwright took home the Labrador Cup in the most recent games in 2010.
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