PREMIER ANNOUNCES GIFT TO HONOUR THE EARL OF WESSEX'S VISIT

Today Premier Lorne Calvert announced that the province would provide $5,000 to both The Duke of Edinburgh Award Young Canadians Challenge and to the Globe Theatre School.

The grants were presented to mark The Earl of Wessex's visit to Saskatchewan.

"The Earl has shown a great interest in youth and the arts, so it is fitting that we offer these gifts in his name to help young people follow their dreams," Calvert said. "Our youth are one of this province's greatest advantages and I want to ensure that they are given every opportunity to see what the future holds for them."

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a self-development Programme for all young people aged 14 to 25. The Programme was first developed in the United Kingdom by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It is a balanced, non-competitive Programme of voluntary activities which encourages personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility and service to the community.

The Globe Theatre School is a place where students can develop the skills and training necessary to work on the stages of the Globe Theatre and across the country. The school has four components that will be phased in over two years: Children and Teen Programs, Apprenticeships for Emerging Professionals, Actor Conservatory Training Program and Provincial Outreach Workshops. The school will be led by a team of top theatre and arts professionals.

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For More Information, Contact:

Cathy Gourlie Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-2687 Cell: (306)535-1307