Next month’s NL Summer Games to be the most eco-conscious yet

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A small party of political dignitaries and volunteers were on hand in Bay Roberts July 11 as the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board announced sponsorship funding for the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games which get underway in the town, and throughout the region, on August 10.

Provincial government minister Bernard Davis made the announcement at the Wilbur Sparkes Recreation Complex, which will be the site of activities.

The event was attended by Games co-chairs Judy Morrow and Neil Kearley, MMSB Chairman Derm Flynn, Harbour Grace – Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons, Avalon MP Ken McDonald, and Bay Roberts Mayor Walter Yetman.

The Games were supposed to occur in 2020 but were postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the dates may have changed, the vision of the event did not, Morrow made clear.

“In addition to the obvious goals of fair and competitive games, fun and entertaining activities for the athletes, good food, good accommodations and, of course, profiling the town, we set our sights on three additional specific goals,” she said. 

The first, said Morrow, was to promote regionalization. The committee wanted the Games to show that, rather than causing host groups seek resources to build new facilities, committees could work together throughout the region to direct resources into enhancing existing venues in Bay Roberts and Conception Bay North and Trinity Bay. 

The second goal was to make sure the Games were inclusive. 

“We wanted to ensure that all athletes and visitors to the Games and to the town were welcome and made to feel comfortable without exception,” said Morrow. 

The third goal was to make this summer’s Games the most environmentally friendly held to date. The organizers want to provide a model for future Games and to create a legacy for the town of Bay Roberts. 

Davis, who was Minister of Environment and Climate Change and responsible for the MMSB at the time of the announcement, but who has since been moved to the Department of Justice, said everyone has a responsibility to make greener choices.

“As minister responsible for the MMSB, it’s my pleasure to be here to support local organizations through their innovative initiatives and support waste diversion in all communities and help protect the environment,” said Davis.

Such choices will benefit future generations, Davis noted, adding it’s especially important to take such goals into consideration when planning large-scale community events such as the NL Summer Games. 

Davis announced a $60,000 sponsorship from the MMSB Waste Management Trust Fund to support green initiatives during the Games. The money will be used to support an array of green practices across all events including “management of food waste and associated packaging related to the catering and food services,” and “coordinating a food delivery service that monitors food usage and reduces food loss.” 

Organic waste will be collected through the Town’s composting program and used in community garden projects throughout Bay Roberts. The Town will provide garbage bins and the host committee will purchase recycling bins for the Games. Digital documents will be used for communication during the Games to reduce the use of paper and the creation of waste. Athletes will bring their own bedding, such as sleeping bags and air mattresses, and are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles. 

Co-chairman Kearley, who is also principal of Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts, said special water-filling stations will be in place for the Games. The stations will be available in the athletes village as well as at various sports venues. The idea is to encourage the use of reuseable water bottles and cut down on single-use plastic containers. While the Games will only last a week, Kearley said the stations will remain in Bay Roberts for as long as the Town can keep them operating.

Flynn, the chair of the MMSB’s board of directors, said the agency is proud to support the NL Summer Games and its environmental goals, and echoed Davis’ sentiments about how important green choices are. 

“Each effort, no matter how big or how small, makes a big difference,” he said. 

Flynn, the longtime former Mayor of Appleton, pointed out that the younger people participating in these Games are among the generations that will be taking care of the planet for a long time to come. 

“We have not done a real good job over the years doing this kind of stuff,” Flynn admitted, recalling earlier Games when recycling was not discussed. He said that through the 2024 Games’ sustainable practices, athletes, coaches, and volunteers will gain valuable knowledge they can pass on to others, “creating a ripple effect that we hope expands well beyond the event.”

Meanwhile, it’s still not too late to volunteer to help out at the Games. Anyone interested can drop by the office in the Bay Arena in Bay Roberts, send an email to  bayroberts2024@gmail.com, or visit www.nlgames.ca. All volunteers need to acquire several background checks, which staff can process for them. For more information call 709-786-6343, extension 228.