2001 Canada Games Mission Staff

Ten women and eight men will serve as Team Nova Scotia's mission staff at the 2001 Canada Summer Games in London, Ont.

The names of the staff were announced today by the Canada Games Management Group, which is responsible for co-ordinating Nova Scotia's effort at the summer games.

"Canada Games is an opportunity for Nova Scotia's young athletes to test themselves at the national level, and for our coaches and officials to build their experience," said Jane Purves, Minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission. "The Canada Games Management Group has selected a well-qualified and knowledgeable mission staff to provide the excellent support necessary for everyone to concentrate on achieving a personal best, and enjoying the full experience of the games."

"This is an enthusiastic, experienced and committed team of individuals," said Dave MacLean, chair of the management group's personnel committee. "Chef de mission Mike Bell is fortunate to be working with a mission staff in which every member has Canada Games experience. This is about as good as it gets."

Nova Scotia's mission team members are: Mike Bell, chef de mission, Dartmouth; Pascal Roberge, assistant chef de mission, Dartmouth; Gary Linthorne, Pleasantville; Amit Batra, Halifax; Angela Gallant, Halifax; Brad Jacobs, Halifax; Cathy MacDonald, Bridgewater; David Molloy, Halifax; Heather Macdonald, Dartmouth; Jan Wallace, Dartmouth; Joni Henderson, Dartmouth; Mike Soares, Arichat; Mike Trinacty, Berwick; Russell MacDonald, Bras d'Or; Sheri Parks, Hammond Plains; Sue Beazley, Hatchett Lake; Ted Meldrum, Coldbrook; and Ted Wallace, Dartmouth.

Mission staff members are responsible for assisting their respective teams with accommodation, accreditation, registration, travel and numerous other tasks.

This is the third time the management group has selected mission staff by inviting applications from interested persons.

Mr. Bell, the chef de mission, 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."

London will host more than 6,000 athletes, coaches, managers and officials to Canada's premier multi-sport event -- a training ground for future Olympians. The Canada Games also serve as a celebration of Canada's unique culture, showcasing Canada's diverse society and rich heritage. The 2001 games run from Aug. 8 to Aug. 26.

More information on the Canada Games Management Group and the 2001 Canada Summer Games is available at www.ns.canadagames.ca .

NOTE: A backgrounder that contains profiles of the mission team members is available at www.ns.canadagames.ca .