News release

Pep Rally a Chance to Meet, Support Team Nova Scotia

Team Nova Scotia

With the 2015 Canada Winter Games only a few weeks away, Nova Scotians are invited to cheer on the team that will represent the province and give them a rousing Nova Scotia sendoff.

A public pep rally will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m., at the Emera Oval in Halifax.

"These athletes are about to embark on the experience of a lifetime as they proudly represent Nova Scotia," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "I invite all Nova Scotians to support them at the pep rally and throughout the games."

The rally will be hosted by Chris Lydon and will feature Olympic gymnast Hugh Smith, a former Team Nova Scotia member who now competes for Canada's national gymnastics team. The flag bearers for the Games' opening and closing ceremonies will also be announced. A public skate with the athletes on the oval will begin at 4 p.m.

"We go to the Games in Prince George coming off one of our best performances in the 2011 Games where Team Nova Scotia captured 12 medals, and won the Centennial Cup for the best overall improvement in result," said Mark Smith, the 2015 Chef de Mission.

"While medal count can be considered one determinant of success, and is often the most visible measure, our primary focus is always overall team performance. How we compete and develop over a four-year period is a truer reflection of how any given sport is improving over the long term."

The 2015 Canada Winter Games will take place in Prince George, B.C., from Feb. 13 to March 1, and will host more than 2,400 athletes competing in 19 sports across 17 venues.

Sponsors and partners of Team Nova Scotia include the Government of Nova Scotia, Sport Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and official sponsor, Karbon Sports.

The Canada Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter. They are key in developing Canada's young athletes, producing the next generation of national, international and Olympic champions.

For more information on Team Nova Scotia, go to teamnovascotia.ca or follow @TeamNovaScotia on Twitter.

For information on the 2015 Canada Winter Games, visit canadagames.ca .