GATINEAU, March 11, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today revealed the names of the artists who will be joining Team Canada to participate in the seven cultural competitions that are part of the 2009 Games of La Francophonie. They are the Karkwa group (Quebec) in song, Arleen Thibault (Quebec) in storytelling, Virginie Brunelle (Quebec) in original dance, Stéphanie Filion (Quebec) in literature, Benjamin Rodger (Ontario) in painting, Geneviève Thauvette (Ontario) in photography, and Sarah Beck (Saskatchewan) in sculpture.
"Our young artists will once again be expressing the richness and diversity of Canadian culture on the international stage by taking part in these VI Games of La Francophonie," said Minister Moore. "I know they will take advantage of this unique experience, which will allow them to create lasting ties with young Francophones from Canada and around the world."
The Games of La Francophonie differ from other international competitions in that they feature both sport and cultural competitions, in which athletes and artists receive gold, silver, and bronze medals. More than 50 countries and governments have pre-registered for the Lebanon Games. The chosen artists were selected by a jury of the Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie, endorsed by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, which met in Paris on March 2 and 3.
"Our Government is helping artists build their careers from the very early days and compete with the best in the world," added Minister Moore. "This major international meeting is the perfect opportunity for our next generation of Canadian artists to showcase their talent and celebrate their attachment to the French language and Francophone culture."
The Games of La Francophonie aim to celebrate the cultural diversity of all member countries of the international Francophonie. The Government of Canada is proud to support the growth of promising young artists by giving them the opportunity to participate in these games and to discover the many facets of the international Francophonie. The 2009 Games will be held from September 27 to October 6 in Beirut, Lebanon.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
