GATINEAU, June 3, 2005 -- The Honourable Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today congratulated the artists who were chosen to represent Canada at the V Games of La Francophonie, to be held in Niger from December 7 to 17, 2005."Canada's cultural diversity is recognized the world over, thanks to our talented and imaginative artists," said Minister Frulla. "I thank everyone who entered these prestigious competitions and I congratulate the artists who have been selected to represent our cultural values and demonstrate their skills on the international stage."The artists who will represent Canada at the V Games of La Francophonie are: Storytelling: François Lavallée, St-Denis-sur-Richelieu, Quebec Traditionally inspired original dance: Troupe Zogma, Montréal, QuebecPainting: Andrew Johann Salgado, Regina, SaskatchewanPhotography: Stefan Davidson, Moncton, New BrunswickSculpture: Valérie Beaulieu, Beauport, Quebec Canadian artists interested in participating in the V Games of La Francophonie submitted applications in November 2004. Peer juries, consisting of Canadian professional artists and cultural stakeholders, produced a short list based on principles of excellence, not language or membership in any particular linguistic group. A joint panel of representatives of the Games of La Francophonie International Committee and the Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie made the final selection of all the artists and groups of artists who will take part in the Games. Games regulations set the maximum number of competitors per artistic discipline at 16 for song, storytelling, and traditionally inspired original dance, and 30 for literature (short story), painting, photography, and sculpture.The Games of La Francophonie are an international cultural and sporting event for athletes and artists from member states and governments of La Francophonie. The Games are distinguished from other similar events in that they are the only major international games where sports and cultural activities are presented in a competitive setting, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to both artists and athletes. Since the Games of La Francophonie began, Canada has sent delegations consisting of three teams: Team Canada, Team Canada-Quebec, and Team Canada-New Brunswick. The Department of Canadian Heritage has full responsibility for Team Canada, which has always enjoyed considerable success at the Games. At the 4th Games of La Francophonie, held in 2001 in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, Team Canada placed first in the cultural competitions, with four medals, and third in the sporting competitions, with 35 medals.For more information on Canada's participation in the V Games of La Francophonie, please visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/jeux2005.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsDepartment of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
