Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is celebrating 50 years of supporting the growth of sport in the province.
St. John’s, NL – Firmly rooted in amateur sport in the province, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador (Sport NL) is celebrating a golden achievement; their 50th Anniversary. Throughout the year SportNL will celebrate the legacy of Sport NL and its members through the last 5 decades, and the commitment to move sport forward.
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador held its first Annual General Meeting on May 27, 1972. Since then, the organization has proven to be an exemplary example of being a leader in supporting sport development and has helped forge strong public and private partnerships since its inception. At its very core are the athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, spectators, and sport staff that have made the sense of community and connection to sport so powerful.
“We have had many achievements in the last 50 years, and we look forward to continuing to promote sport for everyone,” said Troy Croft, SportNL Executive Director. “We’ve also seen a lot of changes within provincial sports organizations, but one thing remains the same – the value of sport continues to have a significant impact on the many stakeholders in the sport community.”
For 50 years SportNL has had an immense impact on the community to meet the needs of the ever-changing sports landscape. The organization has continually worked to expand programs and resources to help local sports organizations thrive, and set the foundation for a positive, healthy relationship with sport that can last a lifetime.
“Our 50th Anniversary is a proud milestone, and we are excited to share key moments, incredible stories, and historic events in this celebratory year”, says Chris Schwartz, SportNL Board President. “We look forward to celebrating the legacy of sport in the province over the last five decades.”
Sport NL Milestones
- Coaching Newfoundland and Labrador offers FREE coaching courses to individuals interested in becoming coaches. To date, they have delivered 511 quality courses to 6,334 attendees and 2,441 coaches.
- Since inception in 2006, KidSport Newfoundland and Labrador, has helped 4,182 kids enjoy a season of children’s sport programming. That’s over $992,000 invested in amateur sport across Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Sport Newfoundland and Labrador has awarded scholarships every year since 1991, with scholarship funds being distributed to deserving post-secondary students in the province.
The goal this year is to highlight the many accomplishments within the sports sector and commemorate the growth of our organization and our member organizations.
“Congratulations SportNL on 50 years! Here’s to 50 more! Over the last five decades, SportNL has played an integral role in the sport system, providing support and services to provincial sport organizations and their members. Their efforts assist in the development of athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators, providing opportunities for them to reach their full potential. Thank you for all you do and for your ongoing commitment to promoting, supporting, and developing sport at all levels,” said Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.
As SportNL begins its 50th year, we are calling on our PSO’s and individual members, and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to recognize all that we have achieved together. We encourage everyone to share how sport has influenced them by using the hashtag #50YearsofSportNL. We also encourage people to follow our social media as we reminisce the past and lay the groundwork for the future of sport in the province.
Your support for sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.