Nova Scotia Ready to Host Games

Nova Scotia is ready and able to take on the challenge of hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, deputy premier Ron Russell said today, Dec. 13. Mr. Russell was attending a meeting with the selection committee that will determine which Canadian city vies for the games.

"This city and this province have an enviable record when it comes to rising to the occasion," said Mr. Russell, citing such events as the 1995 meeting of G7 leaders, Tall Ships 2000 and international sporting events, like the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The Canadian Commonwealth Games bid-selection committee is in Halifax today. On Monday, Dec. 16, the committee is expected to announce which Canadian city -- Halifax or Hamilton -- will go forward as the Canadian bid for the 2010 games.

Rodney MacDonald, Minister of the Sport and Recreation Commission, told the committee that Nova Scotia's economic performance has outpaced the national average for several years, and that the government is operating with a balanced budget.

"Given the optimism that abounds in Halifax and across Nova Scotia, it is no surprise that this bid enjoys the overwhelming support of Nova Scotians," said Mr. MacDonald.

He noted that the Games will leave a legacy of first-rate athletic facilities in Atlantic Canada.

"Young athletes with world-class talent dream of competing on the world stage. But they only make it onto that stage when they have world-class coaching and training facilities. The 2010 Halifax Commonwealth Games will turn more of those dreams into reality for Atlantic Canadian athletes," said the minister. "An international multi-sport event has never been held east of Quebec. The legacy of the Halifax Nova Scotia Commonwealth Games will be world-class athletic infrastructure from coast-to-coast."

Mr. MacDonald, who is also Minister of Tourism and Culture, said Nova Scotians will have no trouble keeping the Commonwealth athletes and visitors to the Games well entertained.

"What a show we will put on. This province and this region enjoy a mix of culture and heritage as rich and diverse as the Commonwealth itself," said Mr. MacDonald. "A wealth of talent runs through that rich culture. That talent, and the skills to showcase it, are honed at literally hundreds of festivals and events that each year attract visitors from around the globe."

The minister told the selection committee that Nova Scotia is ready to host the Commonwealth.

"You're going to love it here in 2010," he said.