News Article

As a platinum level sponsor, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has been a valued contributor to the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in Clarenville (March 1-9), providing access to a wide range of skills and services.
 
Preparation for the event drew on the talent and skill set of faculty, staff and students from across the across the province.
 
Carpentry students from Clarenville campus created a large illuminated “2014” sign, which was mounted on Bare Mountain overlooking Clarenville and the Trans-Canada Highway and will remain there for the duration of the games.
 
“We’re very fortunate to have programs here like Carpenter and Steamfitter/Pipefitter that allow us to engage in community projects and activities like the Winter Games,” said Clarenville Campus Administer, Maisie Caines.
 
“When students are able to engage in such an authentic project and see it displayed in the community, it gives them so much pride. They love to participate in those community-based projects. I think that’s one thing we, as an institution, can bring to the community because of the programming we have at the campus.”
 
She says the faculty members have gone above and beyond to make events special for the athletes and to promote the community. For example, the work of Paul Tilley, Deidre Strowbridge and Jody Locke, who spent countless hours creating a video for the opening ceremonies.
 
“They did a phenomenal job and it really does help promote the campus because it showcases the talent we have,” Caines said. “The faculty and students are so giving of their time when it comes to these types of projects. The college is a very important part of not only the community, but the region itself.”
 
CNA also provided space and computer access at Clarenville campus for the Media Centre as well as classroom space for high school teachers to conduct professional development sessions. Staff and faculty have donated countless volunteer hours serving on various committees or assisting wherever they were needed to ensure the event is a huge success. All of this support is something Greg Pittman, chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games Host Committee, says is invaluable.
 
“We are so pleased that CNA came on board as a platinum sponsor,” said Pittman. “The sponsorship consists of numerous facets, all of which are vital to the Games. Without their help it would have made it difficult to pull the games off, so we are very appreciative for everything the college has done.”
 
CNA’s Graphic Communications program at Prince Philip Drive campus produced more than 90 signs and banners for various Games venues, while Bay St. George and Corner Brook campuses provided a 24-passenger bus and driver for shuttling athletes between Clarenville and Whitbourne.
 
“Three second-year Graphic Communications students, working with an instructional assistant, used their acquired skills and knowledge to produce banners and signs that will be seen by the public at the Games,” said Prince Philip Drive Campus Administrator Conrad Maillet. “This has provided them an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and competence, and gain confidence in their ability to develop products at industry standards.”
 
Bonavista campus was well represented with Chef Chris Sheppard and his Cook students hosting the VIP/Sponsor reception prior to the opening ceremonies.
 
“At the opening ceremonies everyone said, ‘wow, what a fantastic job!’. The VIP reception was such a fabulous display of college talent,” Caines said. “The pride you feel attending an event such as that is overwhelming. Chris goes above and beyond when it comes to engaging his students in these types of events. When you’re hearing all of the great comments about the food, not just the taste of the food but the presentation, it’s fabulous.”
 
Michele White-Vincent of Newtown in Bonavista Bay is no stranger to preparing meals for hundreds of people. As a student of the Cook program at Bonavista campus, she already has several similar events under her belt including Eat the Hill and Roots, Rants and Roars.
 
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and you don’t get these experiences everywhere,” she said. “I have the privilege to work with these Red Seal chefs. They pull things together with our help and it’s just a wonderful experience to be able to work side-by-side with them. You get to see how these guys work and it’s very rewarding to be involved in this type of event.”
 
To see what has taken place at the Winter Games, and see what events will be taking place over the remaining days, visit www.clarenville2014.com.
 
 
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Media Contact:
 
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca