First Athletes Confirmed for Canada Games

SPORT/RECREATION COMMISSION--First Athletes Confirmed for Canada Games

Nine synchronized swimmers are the first athletes to be named to Team Nova Scotia for the 2003 Canada Games.

The nine girls were chosen after a series of selection meets held between April and September. They will join nearly 300 athletes representing Nova Scotia at the Games in Bathurst-Campbellton, N.B., from Feb. 22 to March 8.

"We're moving into an exciting period leading up to the Games as athletes train and try out for the team," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission. "Our synchronized swimmers are the first to emerge as the cream of Nova Scotia's crop, and we're proud to support them as they continue to prepare for the Games."

The synchronized swimming team members are:

• Laura Casey, Halifax
• Colleen Aird, Halifax
• Ashley Hines, Halifax
• Danielle Dubé, Tantallon
• Jessica Tallman, Halifax
• Gina Easson, Aylesford
• Claire Latrémouille, Dartmouth
• Gillian Wesley, Halifax
• Erica Gallant, Dartmouth

The girls are both excited and nervous about going to the Games. They said they are looking forward to making new friends, representing their province well and doing the best Nova Scotia has ever done.

The team is being led by two former Canada Games athletes. Team manager Frances Bonner-Parker competed in the 1975 Games in Lethbridge, Alta. Coach Shauna Dodge competed in the 1999 Games in Corner Brook, Nfld.

"Our goal is to achieve personal bests in the figure event for all the girls and have the same in the duet and team events," said Ms. Bonner-Parker. "Strong scores in each event will give the girls the pride in their performance and a positive Canada Games experience."

Five girls have also been confirmed to compete in the rhythmic gymnastics team event at the Games. Team Nova Scotia's gymnasts are:

• Caitlan Anthony, Halifax
• Katie Fawcett, Tantallon
• Kelsey Ivory, Tantallon
• Kaleigh Newton, Halifax
• Samantha Sabean, Halifax

Their coach, Julie Kirk, and team manager, Meghan Johnston, won a bronze medal for their group competition in the 1987 Canada Games in Sydney.

"Our team's competitive goals are to achieve personal bests and to perform clean, mistake-free routines," said Ms. Johnston. "The girls also have personal goals of meeting people and enjoying the Games experience."

Team Nova Scotia will compete in 19 sports during the two weeks of the Games. The final roster will be complete for all sports by mid-January.

Team Nova Scotia is funded by the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation sponsors Team Atlantic -- supporting all teams from Atlantic Canada for the 2003 Games.

For more information on Team Nova Scotia and its sponsors, visit the Web site at winter2003.ns.canadagames.ca .