Wreckhouse Entertainment (WE) Inc. will host two Ironman 70.3 competitions over the next two years thanks to an investment of nearly $270,000 from Canada’s New Government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and $100,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador’s West Coast,” said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA. “Through our investment of nearly $270,000, we are supporting WE Inc.’s contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry, helping strengthen the economy and creating new job opportunities for the region.”

“With elite athletes swimming, bicycling and running through 70.3 miles of the spectacular Humber Valley, the Newfoundland Ironman 70.3 will provide spectators with the thrill and drama of an elite sporting competition while showcasing the region as a premier tourist destination,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to support the efforts of Wreckhouse Entertainment to make the 2007 Newfoundland Ironman 70.3 the inaugural 70.3 event in Canada. This world-class competition will add to Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing reputation as a locale for a triathlon experience that is second to none.”

These investments will cover costs associated with hiring a marketing manager and part-time coordinator; facilities rentals; marketing activities such as website development and promotional material; travel; and administrative costs.

WE Inc. is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization dedicated to exposing and promoting Newfoundland and Labrador to outdoor explorers from Canada and around the world. The Ironman competitions are part of an international series that encompasses over 40 events worldwide.

“We are enthusiastic of the federal government’s support of our new partnership with the world’s number one recognized sports brand in Ironman,” said Peter Antle of WE Inc. “The Ironman 70.3 event is an ideal fit for the Humber Valley region with its record of world class triathlons and it will demonstrate the unlimited potential that sustainable tourism products can have on our economy and our communities.”

Canada’s New Government’s investment of $267,500 is through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which works in partnership with Atlantic communities and stakeholders to build on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Wreckhouse Entertainment of Corner Brook will host two Ironman competitions over the next two years, thanks to investments of nearly $270,000 from Canada’s New Government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and $100,000 from the Department of Tourism Culture and Recreation. These competitions are part of an international series involving over 40 events worldwide, and this year’s is scheduled for July. The announcement was made today by Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, and Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

For More Information Contact:
Julie Afonso
A/Director, Communications
ACOA
709-772-2984

John Tompkins
Director, Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 709-728-7762

Peter Antle
Wreckhouse Entertainment Inc.
709-639-3733