The PEI Mutual Canada Games Trials replace what was formerly known as the Provincial Games. The Trials will provide a coordinated approach for sports organizations to begin preparing Island athletes and teams to participate in the 2011 winter games.

Throughout the winter and early spring months, Provincial Sporting Organizations (PSO) will each host an event that will allow them to identify those age eligible athletes with the most ability and potential to represent their sport in 2011.

“These competitions will provide athletes with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities and will enable the PSOs to begin working with the athletes well in advance of the next Winter Games,” said Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “I encourage Islanders to attend the trials and support our athletes. This will also be a great chance to see some of tomorrow's athletic stars in action today.”

Dates, locations and format for the trial events will be determined by the various PSOs. A detailed schedule of events, activities and contact information will be listed on the Team PEI website at www.gov.pe.ca/teampei.

“PEI Mutal Insurance Company is delighted to be involved in this very exciting event,” said PEI Mutual General Manager Terry Shea. “We believe that this event will enable Team PEI to get a great start on having many best ever performances in the next Canada Winter Games.”

BACKGROUNDER

Trials will be held for the following 13 sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Boxing, Curling, Figure Skating, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Ringette, Squash, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball.

The events will begin in mid-January and will continue through April. Terry Bernard is the coordinator for the Trials.