Minister, Chef de Mission Cheer on Team N.S. Athletes at Pep Rally

Team spirit hit a fever pitch as Team Nova Scotia got a rousing send off to the 2009 Canada Summer Games.

Athletes, family members, coaches, volunteers, Minister responsible for Youth Ramona Jennex, on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter, and Team Nova Scotia Chef de Mission Ron O'Flaherty attended a pep rally today, Aug. 8, to support Nova Scotia athletes.

More than 300 athletes will represent Nova Scotia at the Canada Games in P.E.I. from Aug. 15 to 29.

"These young men and women are a great example to us all of what determination, hard work and drive can achieve," said Ms. Jennex. "We are so very proud of them and we know they will do an excellent job representing our province.

"Competing at the Canada Games is a great feat, one that shows true dedication and commitment."

Mr. O'Flaherty, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation vice president of stakeholder relations Chuck Bridges also offered their support and well wishes to the teams, coaches and volunteers.

"There are many reasons for Atlantic Lottery's commitment to, and support of, the Canada Games," said Mr. Bridges. "It's the spirit of competition, the athletes' determination, and the sense of community that comes about. The magnitude of the Games impact is why we've, for more than 30 years, participated in the Games."

The Canada Games is the country's largest amateur multi-sport event. About 4,400 athletes, artists, coaches and managers will compete for 1,500 medals in 18 sports.

Partners supporting Team Nova Scotia include Sport Nova Scotia and the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and official sponsors MEE Sports, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, CTV, 101.3 The Bounce and The Chronicle Herald.

For more information about Team Nova Scotia, visit www.ns.canadagames.ca .