CALGARY, May 8, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), today announced the names of the winners in four age groups and the finalist in the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge at an event held at the Art Gallery of Calgary.
The Alberta finalist, Rosa Lee, age 14, attends St. Bonaventure Junior High School in Calgary. She interpreted this year's theme, "With Glowing Hearts," with style and originality.
"I am proud to see how creative and inspiring our young Canadians are. All of the participants were able to show us how they see Canada--from the splendour of its landscapes to the wealth of its history and cultural diversity," said Minister Moore. "With the 2010 Winter Games less than a year away, the Poster Challenge has allowed thousands of young people from every part of the country to take part in the excitement and to once again demonstrate that these Games are for all of Canada. Congratulations to everyone who took on the Poster Challenge."
"The broad theme of this year's contest, 'With Glowing Hearts,' evoked some very specific ideas in the minds of these young artists, and they showed us through their artwork that their vision of Canada is one where peace, prosperity, and pride in country reigns," said Mr. Richards. "This insight into how our younger generation perceives our country is inspiring, and it bodes well for our future. I congratulate everyone who entered the contest."
In Alberta, 3450 young people between the ages of 5 and 18 rose to the Challenge this year. The provincial finalist was chosen from among the four winners in the following age groups:
- 5 to 8 years: Justin Zhang, 8, Beddington Heights School, Calgary
- 9 to 11 years: Jayyne Kao, 11, Olympic Heights School, Calgary
- 12 to 14 years: Rosa Lee, 14, St. Bonaventure Junior High School, Calgary
- 15 to 18 years: Janet Lee, 16, Ross Sheppard High School, Edmonton
Rosa will be among the 13 provincial and territorial finalists who will go to Ottawa in June to participate in the Canada Day celebrations. As a finalist, she also has a chance to win this year's special grand prize: an all expenses paid trip to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
The name of this year's grand prize winner will be announced in May and will be chosen from among the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The winner's work will become the official poster for Celebrate Canada and will be distributed nationwide.
Created in 1987, the Poster Challenge program encourages young Canadians to learn more about Canada, which makes them even more proud of our country and strengthens their feeling of belonging.
For more information on the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge, visit www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
