1999 Mission Team Selected

The Canada Games Management Group announced today its selection for Nova Scotia's 1999 Canada Games Mission Team. Fourteen men and women from across the province will begin preparing Team Nova Scotia for the 1999 Canada Winter Games scheduled for Feb. 20-March 6 in Corner Brook, Nfld.

"We are extremely pleased with the individuals selected for the 1999 Mission Team," said Stephen Stewart, chair of the management group's personnel committee. "The quality of applicants' skills was impressive, and we believe the mission team has the right mix of experience, enthusiasm and dedication to lead a successful team to the Canada Winter Games."

"The Canada Games provide a valuable opportunity for Nova Scotia's athletes to compete at a more demanding level," said Robbie Harrison, Minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission. "Having such a competent, knowledgeable and seasoned mission staff provides Team Nova Scotia with the solid support necessary to achieve its full potential."

The individuals selected for Nova Scotia's mission team are:
Mike Bell, chef de mission, Dartmouth; Linda Chiasson, assistant chef de mission, Fall River; Darryl Braunmiller, communications director, Coxheath; Garry Dunbrack, Hammonds Plains; Brad Jacobs, Sydney; Joanne Lebans, Berwick; Cathy MacDonald, Bridgewater; Brenda MacPhee, Halifax; Ed Matchett, New Germany; Catherine Meade, Halifax; David Molloy, Halifax; Pascal Roberge, Dartmouth; Ronnie Shaw, Sydney; and Jan Wallace, Dartmouth.

Members of the mission team will be responsible for assisting their respective teams with accommodation, accreditation, registration, travel and numerous other tasks.

The 1997 Canada Summer Games marked the first time applications were sought for a Nova Scotia Canada Games Mission Team. The number of applicants for the 1999 mission team increased by 50 per cent over 1997's applicants.

Chef de mission, Mike Bell, said he believes it's vital to have a strong mission team. "The mission team acts as the operational arm of the Canada Games team effort, allowing athletes, coaches and managers to focus solely on their respective sports."

Corner Brook will welcome more than 3,500 athletes, coaches, managers and officials to Canada's premier multi-sport event -- a training ground for future Olympians. The Canada Games are also a celebration of Canada's unique culture, showcasing Canada's diverse society and rich heritage.

The Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission provides funding for Team Nova Scotia to compete at the Canada Winter Games.

NOTE TO EDITORS/DIRECTORS: A backgrounder containing profiles of the mission team members is available by e-mailing [email protected] or by phoning collect at 902-424-2698.