New Chair for Canada Games Management Group

A university professor is volunteering to lead Nova Scotia's participation in the Canada Games.

Joe MacDonald of Antigonish is the new chair of the Canada Games Management Group. The group is responsible for the management, preparation and participation of Team Nova Scotia in the Canada Games.

"I'm pleased to have Mr. MacDonald continuing his commitment to our Canada Games athletes in this new role," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "His lifelong dedication to sport and physical activity make him an ideal candidate to lead the many players involved in supporting Team Nova Scotia."

Mr. MacDonald holds a masters in physical education and has been a member of the education faculty at St. Francis Xavier University for 26 years. He served as the university's assistant athletic director for 10 years.

Mr. MacDonald volunteers with the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. For two years, he chaired the finance committee of the Canada Games Management Group before assuming his current position in March.

"I've been involved with sport all my life and I see this position as an opportunity to broaden my efforts to help young athletes achieve their goals," said Mr. MacDonald. "Nova Scotia has been recognized for its leadership and Games spirit, and I aim to continue building on these strengths."

Nova Scotia is also the only province to win the Claude Hardy Award for the best mission staff since its inception. The award was first presented in 2001 and again in 2003. Mission staff from all provinces and territories voted on the recipient.

The management group's board members are mostly volunteers. They are appointed by, and accountable to, the minister. The group is unique in Canada in terms of its approach to supporting Nova Scotia athletes.

It is the first non-government group to manage the participation of a provincial team at the Canada Games; the first partnership of government, the sports community and volunteers to support a Games team; and the first to form a fully volunteer mission staff.

The next Canada Games will take place in Regina, Sask. from August 6 to 20, 2005. The 2011 winter Games will take place in Nova Scotia. The bid process for hosting these Games will begin in 2006. Information for communities interested in preparing a bid will be available this summer.