NICHOLAS MERCER
THE COMPASS
BAY ROBERTS, N.L. — The 2020 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games will help build a legacy for the host Bay Roberts, according to the town's mayor.
Recent funding by the provincial government will help solidify that effort.
On Feb. 11, Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, announced $110,000 in funding for additional infrastructure upgrades for the town ahead of the summer games Aug. 15 start date.
It will be the first time Bay Roberts has hosted the games. It joins Carbonear and Harbour Grace as other centres in Conception Bay North who have hosted the event. Harbour Grace was co-host in 1992 and 2012.
“It is exciting news,” Bay Roberts Mayor Philip Wood said about the funding announcement. “It is news that is going to help build a legacy for our town ... and the entire area.”
The summer games is one of the province’s premier sporting events and showcases its top athletes between the ages of 11 and 18 in a variety of sports.
This new chunk of money is in addition to $200,000 already provided to the town through an operating grant. That money went toward hiring a games manager among other operating costs.
The latest round of government funding is earmarked to install a set of lights on the second ballfield at the Wilbur Sparkes Recreation Complex in Bay Roberts, as well as resurface the tennis courts at the same facility.
In addition, the money will help see dehumidifiers installed at the Bay Arena, which will play host to male and female ball hockey.
“We want to make (the games) enjoyable for everyone,” said Wood.
A games committee is in place, co-chaired by Judy Morrow and Neil Kearley, along with a number of sub committees charged with looking after accommodations, torch relay logistics, food and other details.
The town hopes to have 600 volunteers in place by the time the games kickoff later this summer. Upwards of 1,600 athletes, coaches and staff are expected to participate.
“We are very optimistic about getting the volunteers we need,” said Wood.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games are scheduled to take place in Bay Roberts Aug. 15-22.