Ottawa - May 2, 2005 — Canada’s national police force is asking children and youth to help name six foals that will be born this spring at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) breeding farm in Pakenham, ON. Some of these horses may one day be part of the world famous Musical Ride. The contest is open to children 14 years old and under. Last year, for the first time the contest was launched internationally allowing children and youth all over the world to participate. The RCMP received over 17,000 entries from 22 countries. “This annual contest provides a wonderful opportunity for children and youth to learn about the RCMP and the Musical Ride,” says Supt. John Gaudet, the officer in charge of the Musical Ride. “I am pleased to announce that once again this year we are offering children from Canada and around the world the opportunity to submit names for our new foals." In order to qualify, entries must meet the following criteria: 1) Submit only one name per envelope. 2) Names must begin with the letter “C” and cannot be any longer than 6 letters. 3 Entries must be accompanied by the youngster’s name, age, address and telephone number, and the suggested name on a piece of paper. Entrants are encouraged to explain why they chose their suggested name and what the name means. 4) Entries must come from a youngster who is 14 years old or younger. 5) Mail your entry to: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Branch c/o RCMP Name the Foal Contest PO Box 8900, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3J2, Canada Entries are also accepted on the Internet at: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/musicalride/foal_e.htm. Please note that the criteria listed above applies to electronic submissions as well. 6) For school entries, please write “school entry” on the box or envelope. 7) Entries must be received (or post-marked) no later than July 4, 2005. The winning entries will receive the same Stetson that members of the Musical Ride wear, a framed photo of the foal they named, an RCMP certificate signed by the Commissioner as well as various other prizes. Winners will be announced on July 29, 2005, and their names will be posted on the RCMP website. Winning names will be chosen by staff of the RCMP Musical Ride Branch. For more information on the contest, please contact: Lynne Bidal Musical Ride Branch (613) 998-0754 For media enquiries, please contact: RCMP Public Affairs and Communication Services Directorate (613) 993-2999
